Automation attachment including environmental, motion or directional sensor assemblies utilized with existing parasols or umbrellas

ABSTRACT

An automation attachment for an existing umbrella includes a housing having an opening in an interior of the housing, one or more couplers or connectors to connect the opening of the housing to a center support pole or umbrella of the existing umbrella, a motor and pulley assembly, located inside the housing, to connect to a rope of the existing umbrella and pull on or release the rope in order to expand or retract an umbrella frame of the existing umbrella; and a rechargeable power source assembly, located inside the housing, to transfer power to the motor and pulley assembly for operation of the motor and pulley assembly.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 62/723,463, filed Aug. 27, 2018, andentitled “AUTOMATION ATTACHMENT UTILIZED WITH EXISTING PARASOLS ORUMBRELLAS AND ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS THERETO” and U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 62/720,877, filed Aug. 21, 2018 and entitled“AUTOMATION ATTACHMENT UTILIZED WITH EXISTING PARASOLS OR UMBRELLAS,”both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Many existing umbrellas or shading systems utilize a rope and pulleysystem in order to open an umbrella. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates anexisting umbrella having a hand crank, a pulley system and a stringaccording to the prior art. Prior umbrellas have at least a tubularsupport, a hand crank assembly, one or more strings, at least a twopulley system, a circular support assembly, and one or more arms or anumbrella support frame. A hand crank assembly is connected to the one ormore strings. The strings wrap around a first pulley of a pulley system,where the first pulley may be within a tubular support assembly orattached to an outside surface of a tubular support assembly. The stringextends around a second pulley or wheel of the pulley system, the secondpulley or wheel is located at a higher vertical location than the firstpulley system. The string may be connected to a circular arm collarassembly. When the hand crank is turned, it pulls a string or rope whichmoves about the pulley system and pulls the circular arm collar assemblyin a vertical direction (e.g., upward), which causes the frame and/orarms connected to the circular arm support to open and expand theparasol so that the shade is deployed. However, this two-pulley systemrequires manual operation by having an operator pull on a string. Inaddition, these umbrellas do not have any intelligent features andcannot interact with operators and/or users. In addition, the pulleysand cranks come with the umbrella and are part of the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an existing manual umbrella according to the priorart;

FIG. 2 illustrates a manual umbrella including an attachment to automateand provide additional features for the manual umbrella according toembodiments;

FIG. 2B illustrates a pulley and motor assembly according toembodiments.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of an automation attachment connected toa center support assembly according to embodiments;

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of an automation attachment includingcouplers or adapters to allow the automation attachment to connect tocenter support assemblies having various diameters according toembodiments;

FIG. 3C illustrates an automation attachment split into two panels on anexisting parasol center pole according to embodiments;

FIG. 3D illustrates additional locking systems according to embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a main processor module according to embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an environmental sensor assembly or sensor assemblyaccording to embodiments;

FIG. 6A illustrates a block diagram of a speaker assembly according toembodiments;

FIG. 6B illustrates a speaker assembly including a speaker and a passiveradiator in a section of an automation attachment according toembodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of one or more lighting assembliesaccording to embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates an automation attachment including sensors to monitormovement of an umbrella, parasol or shading system according toembodiments;

FIG. 9A illustrates a block diagram of an automation assembly accordingto embodiments;

FIG. 9B illustrates a front view of an automation attachment accordingto embodiments;

FIG. 9C illustrates a side view of an automation attachment according toembodiments;

FIG. 9D illustrates an automation attachment attached to an umbrella orparasol according to embodiments; and

FIG. 9E illustrates an automation attachment attached to an umbrellaincluding an elevation joint or hinge according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Claimed subject matter is directed to an apparatus that automates theopening and closing of prior art non-automated and/or manual umbrellasor parasols. Claimed subject matter is also directed an apparatus thatprovides intelligence and automation to the non-automated and/or manualumbrellas or parasols, such as environmental sensors, directionalsensors, voice activation and/or audio systems.

FIG. 1 illustrates an existing manual umbrella according to the priorart. In embodiments, an existing umbrella 100 may comprise a baseassembly 105, a center support assembly 107, an arm or frame hubassembly 148, one or more arm support assemblies or frame 150. AlthoughFIG. 1 does not show this, the umbrella frame may be replaced with oneor more arms or blades. In embodiments, an existing manual umbrella 100may open or close by having a rope or cable attached to an arm or framehub assembly (or collar assembly) 148. In embodiments, a user oroperator may pull on a rope or cable to cause the arm collar assembly148 to move in an upward vertical direction. This results in movement orexpansion of the one or more arm support assemblies or frame 150 (aswell as the one or more arms in other embodiments) and thus opening ofthe umbrella. Once the umbrella's frame 150 is open, the rope may beattached to a hole in the center support assembly 107 or to a connectorthat allows the rope or cable to be tied thereto and held in position.In embodiments, the rope or cable may be attached to a top surface ofthe arm collar assembly or 148 and may pull in the upward verticaldirection. In order to close the existing manual umbrella 100 or retractthe frame 150 (or arms in other embodiments), a user or operator woulduntie the ropes and let gravity allow the rope (via the pulley assembly)to release and cause the arm collar assembly 148 to move in a downwardvertical direction to a resting position. In this illustrativeembodiment, no hand crank may be utilized and a rope may be wound aroundone or more pulley assemblies and attached to arm hub assembly (orcollar) 148. The rope may be pinned or attached to the center supportassembly 107 or to an attachment to the center support assembly 107. Inthis configuration, a user or operator may just pull directly on therope or cable to raise or lower the arm assembly (or collar) 148 and toexpand or retract the frame 150 (or arms in other embodiments). Inembodiments, one or more ropes or cables may be utilized along with oneor more pulley assemblies 130 to attach to different portions of the armhub assembly or collar 148 to allow for more power and stability (e.g.,by pulling on opposite sites) in pulling the arm hub assembly or collar148 in an upward direction and/or releasing the arm hub assembly orcollar 148. In embodiments, for example, when only a rope or cable andpulley assembly 130 are utilized, one or more pulley assemblies may belocated above the arm assembly or collar and the rope may be tied off toone or the arm support assemblies or to an attachment on the centersupport assembly.

In embodiments, an existing umbrella 100 may also include a pulleyassembly, a hand crank, an attachment mechanism and/or a rope or acable. In embodiments, a hand crank may be attached a driving assemblyand a driving assembly may be connected to a pulley assembly. Inembodiments, rotation or turning of the hand crank results in a drivingassembly causing a portion of a pulley assembly to rotate. Inembodiments, a rope or cable may be attached to a pulley assembly. Inembodiments, one or more pulley assemblies may need to be used dependingon the height or length or the existing manual umbrella 107. Forexample, for a tall umbrella, two or more pulley assemblies may beutilized by the umbrella. This may be utilized for example, when a handcrank mechanism is utilized.

FIG. 2 illustrates a manual or existing umbrella, parasol or shadingsystem including an automation attachment to automate and provideadditional features for an manual umbrella according to embodiments. Inembodiments, an attachment to an umbrella 200 may be referred to as anautomation attachment 210. In embodiments, a manual or existingumbrella, parasol or shading system 200 may comprise a base assembly205, a center support assembly 207, an automation attachment 210, an armhub or collar assembly 248, one or more arm support assemblies 250,and/or one or more arms 255. Although FIG. 2 illustrates an umbrellawith arms, an automation attachment 210 may also be utilized onumbrellas where a support frame (or spokes of a support frame) areconnected to the arm hub or collar assembly 248 and where the supportframe is utilized to open or close and/or also to support a parasolcover (rather than utilizing the arm support assemblies and arms andparasol or umbrella cover).

In embodiments, the automation attachment 210 may be attached, coupledor connected to the center support assembly 207. In embodiments, one ormore installation connectors 212 may be utilized and may be referred toas quick installation connectors. In embodiments, the one or moreinstallation connectors 212 may be pins that attach to holes in thecenter support assembly 207. In embodiments, the one or moreinstallation connectors 212 may be adhesive connectors, suctionconnectors and/or magnetic connectors.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of an automation attachment connected toa center support assembly according to embodiments. FIG. 3B illustratesa top view of an automation attachment including couplers or adapters toallow the automation attachment to connect to center support assemblieshaving various diameters according to embodiments. Existing umbrellastypically have pole diameters ranging from one inches to two andone-half inches. In embodiments, an automation attachment 310 may berectangular, oval, circular or other geometric shapes and may have acircular opening 308 that is close to or slightly larger than a diameterof a center support assembly 307, as shown in FIG. 3A. In embodiments,an automation attachment 310 may have a circular opening 308 that islarger than a diameter of a center support assembly 307. In thisillustrative embodiment, one or more couplers and/or adapters may beutilized to bridge the difference and to have the circular opening 308couple to, attach to connect to and/or, press against the center supportassembly 307 of the umbrella. In embodiments, the couplers and/oradapters 311 or 312 may be made of rubber, may be push pins, may bemagnetic, may include adhesives and/or may include screws and/or nuts orbolts. In embodiments, the use of the couplers and/or adapters 311 or312 may allow the automation attachment 310 to be coupled to a widevariety of manual umbrella center support assemblies 307. This is notavailable in the marketplace at the present time. In addition, it is asignificant improvement because automation attachment 310 on one sizemay be utilized for the existing umbrellas without significantmodifications. FIG. 2 illustrates potential vertical locations of theone or more couplers and/or adapters in an automation attachment 210(the one or more couplers or adapters may be in similar locations to thelocations show as quick connect assemblies 212 in FIG. 2. FIG. 3Billustrates two example embodiments of couplers. For example, twocouplers or adapters 311 may be utilized to press and hold theautomation attachment against the center support assembly 307. Forexample, coupler 312 may take up more of the space formed between theautomation attachment opening 308 and the center support assembly 307.In embodiments, multiple couplers may be utilized (e.g., two or morecouplers or adapters 311 or more than one coupler 312).

FIG. 3C illustrates an automation attachment split into two panels on anexisting parasol center pole according to embodiments. In embodiments,an automation attachment 300 may be wrapped around a center supportassembly 307 or may be coupled or connected to the center supportassembly 307. In embodiments, an automation attachment 300 may comprisetwo sections, a left horizontal section 335 and/or a right horizontalsection 336. Although FIG. 3C illustrates an automation attachment 300with two sections, the automation attachment 300 may comprise threesections, four sections or a plurality of sections, each which may befit together to attach to, couple to and/or connect to a center supportassembly 305. In embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, a lefthorizontal section 335 and/or a right horizontal section 336 include atop section 341, a middle section 342 and a bottom section 343. Inembodiments, a left horizontal section 335 and/or a right horizontalsection 336 may each be formed on one piece utilizing additivemanufacturing techniques. This provides the advantage of being easilymodifiable in case changes need to be made. Also, by having the lefthorizontal section 335 and/or a right horizontal section 336 one piece,this provides strength and prevents the automation attachment from beingeasily damaged. In embodiments, a top section 341 and/or a bottomsection 343 may be separate pieces and may be attached or coupled to thecenter section.

In embodiments, the left horizontal section 335 and the right horizontalsection 336 may comprise a hollow concave portion 338 (shown in the lefthorizontal section 335). In embodiments, a hollow concave portion 338 iswhat allows the automated attachment 300 to have an opening (e.g., acircular opening) to allow the existing parasol center support assembly(or pose) 307 to pass through the automation attachment 300. Inembodiments, one section of the automation attachment 300 may comprise arechargeable power source and data cables and/or power cables maytransfer power to the other section of the automation attachment 300. Inembodiments, the left horizontal section 336 and/or the right horizontalsection 336 may each comprise one or more channels. In embodiments, theone or more channels may allow power cables or data cables to travelfrom one horizontal section to the other horizontal section. Inembodiments, the one or more channels on a left horizontal section 335may be opposing or opposite to one or more channels on a righthorizontal section 336 to allow for the holes to fit into one another.

In embodiments, a middle section 342 of one horizontal section (e.g.,the right horizontal section 336 in FIG. 9B) of the automationattachment may also comprise two lips or ridges 361 (which may bevertical ridges running from a top part of a middle section to a bottompart of a middle section 342). In embodiments, a middle section 342 ofthe other horizontal section (e.g., the left horizontal section 335 inFIG. 3B) of the automation attachment 300 may comprise two grooves orrecesses 362 running from a top part of a middle section to a bottompart of a middle section 342). In embodiments, the two internal edges,lips or ridges 361 may fit into and/or connect to the openings, groovesor recesses 362 in the other horizontal section of the automationattachment in order to connect the two halves of the automationattachment together. Although FIG. 3C illustrates two halves of anautomation attachment 300, the automation attachment may comprise threeor more pieces where each section may have edges, lips or ridges andalso openings, grooves or recesses to allow connection or coupling ofthe three or more pieces.

In embodiments, one of the top sections 341 and/or one of the bottomsections 341 of the left horizontal section 335 and the right horizontalsection 336 may also include two adjustment flanges or assemblies 345and 346 to be utilized as a locking assembly. In embodiments, the twoadjustment flanges or assemblies 345 and 346 may allow the automationattachment 300 to adjust to different diameters of umbrella or parasolcentral support poles 305. In embodiments, if a center pole is astandard size where there does not need adjustment, the adjustmentflanges or assemblies 345 and 346 may rest in recesses on the oppositehorizontal section of the automation attachment or on top of the ridges361 of the opposing horizontal section. In embodiments, for example, inFIG. 3C, adjustment flanges 345 and 346 are attached to the lefthorizontal section 335 and if no adjustment is needed, fit into therecesses or a ledge of the top section 341 or middle section 342 of theright horizontal section 336 of the automation attachment 300. If asmaller diameter center support pole 305 is utilized, then theadjustment flanges 345 346 may be utilized to tighten a connection bymaking a diameter of an automation attachment smaller. In embodiments,one adjustment flange (e.g., adjustment flange 345) may have an opening348 and/or the other adjustment flange 346 may have a knob or tab 347.In embodiments, one of the adjustment flanges (e.g., 345) may be movedtowards the other adjustment flanges (e.g., 346) or vice versa and theone adjustment flange knob or tab 347 may be inserted or placed into theopening or channel 348 to provide a smaller, tighter and/or more snugopening diameter to connect or couple to center support poles 307 thathave a smaller diameter. This feature allows the automation attachmentto handle many different pole diameters and be adjustable for differentumbrella pole brand manufacturers. This is a significant advantagebecause of a capability of handling a number of different manufacturersexisting manual umbrellas.

In embodiments, interior surfaces of the top sections 341 and/or thebottom sections 343 may comprise rubber or foam cushions to preventdamage when interior portions of the automation attachment 300 arecontacting the center support pole 305. In addition, these cushions maybe slightly tacky or have a grip that provides a slight attachment tothe center support pole 305 of the existing umbrella. In embodiments,the locking mechanism or assembly may be at a top of an automationassembly (e.g., locking mechanism includes top portion 341, anadjustment flange 345 and an adjustment flange 346) or a bottom of anadjustment assembly (e.g., bottom portion 343, adjustment flange 345 andadjustment flange 346). In embodiments, the adjustment flanges 345 or346 may wrap around a bottom portion or section 343 of the rightadjustment assembly 336. In embodiments, the adjustment flanges 345 or346 that are part of a top locking assembly may wrap around a topportion or section 341 of the right adjustment assembly 336. Inembodiments, the adjustment flanges or locking flanges 345 and/or 346may also wrap around an existing center support pole 307 or parasol pole307.

FIG. 3D illustrates additional locking systems according to embodiments.These additional locking systems may be located on a top section of theautomation attachment and a bottom section of the automation attachment.In the latch lock system illustrated in FIG. 3D, the adjustment flangeor locking flange 345 may wrap around one side of an existing parasolpole 307 and an adjustment flange or locking flange may wrap or lockaround another side of an existing parasol pole 307. In embodiments, aleft latch lock 371 may be positioned on or attached to an adjustmentflange 345, a right latch lock 373 may be positioned on or attached toan adjustment flange 346 and a latch ring 372 may couple or connect toan inside portion of the left latch lock 371 and an inside portion ofthe right latch lock 373.

In the belt lock system illustrated in FIG. 3D, the adjustment flange orlocking flange 345 has a belt 375 connected to an outer surface and theadjustment flange or locking flange 346 has a belt 375 connected to anouter surface. In embodiments, a belt fastener 376 may tighten the belt375 to lock a left adjustment flange or locking flange 345 to a rightadjustment flange or locking flange 346. In embodiments, the belt locksystem allows additional adjustments to how tight the adjustment flanges345 or 346 are attached to the existing parasol pole 307.

In the bolt latch system illustrated in FIG. 3D, a left adjustmentflange or locking flange 345 has an opening 376 and a right adjustmentflange or locking flange 346 has an opening 379. In embodiments, a bolt377 may be inserted through the opening 376 to the opening 379. Inembodiments, a nut 379 may be fastened to a bolt to prevent the bolt 377from moving. In embodiments, this tightens the left adjustment flange orlocking flange 345 to the right adjustment flange or locking flange 346and also to existing parasol pole.

In embodiments, an automation attachment 210 may be utilized to automatethe opening and/or closing of the existing umbrella, parasol or shadingsystem 200. In embodiments, the automatic operation is accomplishedthrough a button or through bidirectional communications with a mobilecomputing device or other computing devices, as is discussed below. Insome embodiments, the automation attachment 210 may replace the handcrank system in terms of using the hand crank (which is attached to arope or cable 233) to open or close the existing umbrella. Inembodiments, the automation attachment 210 may connect or couple with anexisting pulley system and/or rope in order to open and/or close (deployor retract) the existing umbrella. In embodiments, the automationattachment 210 may include a new pulley system that is connected to amotor assembly (e.g., a motor & pulley assembly 225) that automates anopening and closing of the prior manual umbrella, parasol or shadingsystem (for example, an umbrella or parasol that just utilized a ropeconnected to an arm collar assembly 248). In alternative embodiments,the automation attachment 210 may attach or connect an existing pulleysupport assembly in order to lift the arm hub collar assembly 248, whichlifts the one or more arm support assemblies 250, which in turn expandsthe one or more arms 255. This is an advantage over prior umbrellasystems because now existing umbrellas may be automated without havingto purchase an entire new umbrella. It also allows individuals oroperators to open or close an umbrella without having to use arms orhands in order to manually operate the opening or closing of theumbrella or parasol.

In embodiments where a new pulley support assembly may utilized, a newpulley support assembly 225 may be located within an automationattachment 210. In embodiments, the new pulley support assembly 225 mayconnect to or be attached to a rope or cable 233 (where the rope orcable 233 is attached or connected to the arm collar assembly 248 tolift the arm collar assembly). In embodiments, the lifting of the armcollar assembly 248 may deploy the arms support assemblies 250 and/orthe arms 255 (or frame) of the umbrella, parasol or shading system 200.

In embodiments, the new pulley support assembly 225 may also be utilizedwith existing pulley and rope systems. In embodiments, prior existingpulley and rope systems included 1) a rope and pulley system located inan interior of an upper section of a center support assembly 207 and 2)an additional group of pulleys located separate and apart from the armcollar assembly 248, where the additional group of pulleys providedadditional support or leverage to allow lifting of the arm collarassembly 248 (and thus deployment of the arm support assemblies 250and/or arms 255). In embodiments, where an existing rope and pulleyassembly is positioned or located inside a center support assembly 207,the existing rope or cable 233 may be attached to the one or morepulleys in a motor or pulley assembly 225 of an automation attachment210. In embodiments, the other end of the rope may travel up an interioror inside of the center support assembly 207 to one or more existingpulley assemblies within an interior of the center support assembly 207of the umbrella and then be connected or attached to the arm collarassembly 248 to lift the arm collar assembly 248 to open and close theumbrella or parasol 200. In this illustrative embodiment, for example, arope may travel up one side of an interior of a center support assemblythrough one or more pulley assemblies and then travel down another sideof an center support assembly and be attached to the arm collarassembly. In this illustrative embodiment, the new pulley and motorassembly 225 (because it is automatic and/or motorized) may then allowautomatic opening or closing of the umbrella, parasol or shading system200.

Similarly, a new pulley assembly 225 may be connected to an existingrope and/or pulley system that is attached to an outside surface of anexisting umbrella or parasol 200. In embodiments, for example, one ormore existing pulley assemblies may be attached to an outside surface ofan existing umbrella (e.g., a center support assembly) and a rope maytravel around the one or more existing pulley assemblies to be attachedto the arm collar assembly 248. In embodiments, the rope may run up anoutside surface of until it reaches a pulley assembly and travel aroundthe pulley assembly back down to the arm collar assembly 248. Inembodiments, the rope may travel a similar path to the rope or cable 233illustrated in FIG. 2. When the rope is pulled, the rope lifts the armcollar assembly 248. In this embodiment, the new pulley assembly 225(because it is motorized) may cause the rope to be automatically pulled(utilizing the motor) and thus lift the arm collar assembly 248automatically (after it travels through the one or more existing pulleyassemblies).

Depending on a length or height of an umbrella, parasol or shadingsystem, additional new pulley support assemblies or support assembliesmay be utilized with the automation attachment 210 (especially insituations where there are no pulley assemblies on the existing parasolor a limited number of pulley support assemblies in the existingparasol). One additional pulley support assembly may be referred to asan upper pulley support assembly 270 and another may be referred to as amiddle pulley support assembly 247. As discussed, certain configurationsmay use both the upper pulley support assembly 270 and the middle pulleysupport assembly 247. In embodiments, alternative configurations mayutilize only the upper pulley support assembly 270 to provide additionalleverage in lifting the arm collar assembly. Both new additional pulleyassemblies 247 and/or 270 may not be utilized in all configurations ofumbrellas, parasols and/or shading systems.

In embodiments, for example, an upper pulley support assembly 247 may beutilized along with the automation attachment's 210 motor and pulleyassembly 225. In embodiments, the upper pulley support assembly 247 maybe a separate physical structure and/or housing. In embodiments, theupper pulley support assembly 247 may have an opening so that the upperpulley support assembly 247 may be positioned around the center supportpole 207 (e.g., or wrapped around the center support pole). Inalternative embodiments, the upper pulley support assembly 247 may notwrap around the entire center support pole or parasol pole 207 but maybe attached and cover greater than 50% of the circumference of theparasol pole.

In embodiments, for example, one end of a rope and/or cable 233 may beattached or coupled to a motor shaft and/or gearing assembly and/orpulley in the automation attachment's motor and pulley assembly 225. Inthis illustrative embodiment, the rope and/or cable 233 may travelthrough one or more pulley assemblies (e.g., including, for example, thepulleys in the automation attachment 210, and/or the pulleys in the theupper pulley support assembly 270) and be attached, coupled or connectedto the arm collar assembly 248 to lift the arm collar assembly 248(which results in the expansion or retraction of the one or more arms250 or a frame of the umbrella, parasol or shading system 200. Inembodiments, the rope and/or cable 233 may also travel or be attached toa middle pulley support assembly 247 which may move upward (when pulledby the rope or cable 233), which in turn causes the arm collar assembly248 to move upward and expand and/or open the umbrella, parasol orshading system 200 as has been discussed previously. In embodiments, themiddle pulley support assembly 247 may include a rope termination orconnection assembly 252 which allows the rope to be coupled, connectedor attached to the middle pulley support assembly 247 (which allowsmovement in the middle pulley support assembly 247 so it can move upwardand push the arm collar assembly 248). In embodiments, the middlesupport assembly 247 may provide additional pull or leverage in movingthe arm collar assembly 248 in an upward direction to open the umbrellaor parasol.

In embodiments, the middle pulley support assembly 247 may be a separatephysical structure from the automation attachment 210. In embodiments,the middle pulley support 247 assembly may comprise a housing, where thehousing is made or manufactured utilizing additive manufacturingtechniques. In embodiments, the middle pulley support assembly 247 maycomprise one or more pulleys or wheels, which the rope or cable 233travels through in order to provide more stability to the rope or cable233 and to keep the rope or cable from fraying at an end or beingstructurally compromised. In embodiments, the middle pulley supportassembly 247 in a second physical housing may comprise one spool or oneside, where the rope or cable 233 may pass through or travel past theone spool on the way up to the upper pulley support assembly 270. Inembodiments, an umbrella, parasol or shading system 200 with anautomation attachment 210 does not need to include both of the pulleyassemblies and may only utilize one of the pulley support assemblies. Inembodiments, the middle pulley support assembly 247 may wrap around orbe positioned around an entire circumference or an outer surface of thecenter support assembly or parasol pole 207. In alternative embodiments,the middle pulley support assembly 247 may wrap around or be positionedaround 50% percent or more of the entire circumference of the centersupport assembly or parasol pole 207.

In embodiments, as discussed above, an umbrella, parasol or shadingsystem 200 with an automation attachment 210 may comprise an upperpulley support assembly 270. In embodiments, an upper pulley supportassembly 270 may comprise a connector 271, a physical housing 236, andtwo or more spools 234 and 235. In embodiments, the upper pulley supportassembly 270 may be located at a height above arm collar assembly 248,which may provide additional leverage in lifting an arm collar assembly248. In embodiments, a rope or cable 233 may exit out of the automationattachment 210 on a top side of the automation attachment and travelupward to the upper pulley support assembly 270. In some embodiments,the rope or cable 233 may or may not pass through a middle pulleysupport assembly 247 (especially in embodiments where there is no middlepulley support assembly 247). In embodiments, the rope or cable 233 maytravel around a first spool 234 (which is on one side of the upperpulley support assembly 270) and over to a second spool 235 (which is onanother and potentially opposite side of the upper pulley supportassembly 270) and then down to the arm collar assembly 248. Inembodiments, the physical housing 236 of the upper pulley supportassembly 270 may be manufactured utilizing 3D printing techniques oradditive manufacturing techniques. In embodiments, the pulley supportassembly 270 allows additional force and/or leverage to be used inpulling up the arm collar assembly 248.

FIG. 2B illustrates a block diagram of a motor and pulley assembly in anautomation attachment according to embodiments. In embodiments, themotor and pulley assembly 225 may comprise one or motors 261, one ormore pulleys or spools 262, and/or one or more gearing assemblies 263.In embodiments, a rope or cable 233 may be attached to or travel alongthe one or more spools 262. In embodiments, a rope or cable 233 may beattached, coupled or connected to one or more gearing assemblies 263and/or shafts of gearing assemblies. In embodiments, the one or moremotors 261 may be activated or turned on which may cause a motor shaftto rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise fashion which in turn mayrotate one or more gearing assemblies 263. In embodiments, rotation ofthe one or more gearing assemblies 263 may cause rotation of one or morepulleys or spools 262, which may be coupled and/or connected to the oneor more gearing assemblies 263. In embodiments, the rotation of the oneor more pulleys or spools 262 may cause a rope or cable 233 (which isattached thereto and/or runs in a channel of a pulley) to move (or windor unwind) and/or to pull in an upward or a downward direction. Becausean opposite end of a rope or cable 233 may be attached, coupled orconnected to an arm collar assembly 248, the rotation of the shaft 264,gearing assemblies 263 and/or spools 262 may result in the arms supportassemblies 250 and/or the arms 255 (or the frame of the umbrella 200) toexpand or open (or retract or close). In embodiments, one or moregearing assemblies 263 may not be utilized and a shaft 264 of the one ormore motors 261 may be directly connected or coupled to the one or morepulleys or spools 262 and may cause rotation of the one or more pulleysor spools 262.

In embodiments, a portion of the motor and pulley assembly 225 may belocated inside a center support assembly 207 (e.g., within a tubularstructure). In embodiments, for example, a portion of a right anglegearbox (e.g., a miter or bevel gear) and a shaft (which is attached tothe pulley) may be located inside a center support assembly 207. Inembodiments, the motor and pulley assembly 225 may be encompassed and/orpositioned within the automation attachment 210 (e.g., a housing in theautomation attachment). In embodiments, for example, a right anglegearbox (e.g., a miter or bevel gear) and a shaft (which is attached toa pulley) may be located physically inside an automation attachment 210.In illustrative embodiments, a motor and pulley assembly 225 maycomprise a motor 261, one or more pulley assemblies or spools 262, andone or more gearing assemblies 263 (e.g., a planetary gearbox and amiter or bevel gear).

In this illustrative embodiment, a motor 261 may be turned on and/oractivated and a motor shaft may connected to a planetary gearbox. Inembodiments, rotation of the motor shaft causes a planetary gearbox torotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about a verticalaxis. In this illustrative embodiment, a planetary gearbox may beconnected or coupled to a miter or beveled gear (e.g., a right anglegearbox) to change the rotation axis. In other words, the gears on theplanetary gearbox may be connected to the gears to miter or beveled gearassembly which causes the miter or beveled gear assembly to rotate in aclockwise or counterclockwise about a horizontal axis. The miter orbeveled gear assembly (e.g., a right angle gearbox assembly) may beconnected a shaft which is a pulley assembly (or part of the pulleyassembly) 262 and rotation of the miter or beveled gear assembly causesthe shaft/pulley assembly 262 to rotate. In embodiments, rotation of theshaft and thus spools of pulley assemblies 262 may cause a rope or cable233 to wind or unwind (e.g., move), which after traveling through one ormore other pulley assemblies, to pull on an arm collar assemblies 248,which results in opening or closing (e.g., expanding or retracting) theumbrella, parasol or shading system 200 (e.g., the arm supportassemblies and/or arms).

FIG. 4 illustrates a main processor module according to embodiments. Inembodiments, the automation attachment 210 of the umbrella 200 maycomprise a main processor module 220. In embodiments, the main processormodule 220 may be one or more printed circuit boards or a series ofcircuit boards, where the boards have integrated circuits and/orprocessors mounted thereon. In embodiments, some features or functionsmay be implemented in hardware, software and/or a combination of both.In embodiments, the main processor module 220 may comprise a motorcontroller or processor 410 that communicates commands or signals to themotor or pulley assembly 225 to cause the motor to activate, turn on oroff, and/or rotate. In some embodiments, the motor controller orprocessor 410 may be located in the motor and pulley assembly 225. Inthis case, one or more processors of the main processor module 220 maycommunicate with the motor controller or processor 410 on the motor andpulley assembly 225.

In embodiments, the main processor module 220 may comprise one or moreprocessors 405. In embodiments, these processors 405 may bemicrocontroller, processors, Libre processors, systems on a chip, orother processors or controllers. In embodiments, the one or moreprocessors 405 may be part of a single board computer, such as aRasperry Pi computer. In embodiments, the main processor module 220 maycomprise non-volatile or solid state memory devices 420, which may storecomputer-readable instructions 421. In embodiments, thecomputer-readable instructions 421 may be retrieved from the memorydevices 420 and be brought into volatile memory 424 for execution by theone or more processors 405 in order to perform certain functions for theautomation attachment 200.

In embodiments, the main processor module 220 may comprise one or morewireless communication transceivers. In embodiments, the main processormodule 220 may comprise one or more PAN transceivers 415. Inembodiments, the one or more PAN transceivers 415 may include one ormore Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transceivers 416, one or more Bluetoothtransceivers 417, one or more Z-Wave and/or one or more Zigbee wirelesstransceivers. In embodiments, because the automation attachment 210 maybe solar powered or in some cases may be powered by a removable battery,power utilization may need to be efficient. Thus, components havinglower power utilization may be preferred. In embodiments, Bluetooth LowEnergy (BLE) transceivers 416 may be utilized because of the low use ofpower by these devices and thus the less drain on the power sources inthe automation attachment. In embodiments, the one or more BLEtransceivers 416 may be utilized for communications with one or moreexternal devices (e.g., such as a mobile computing device 270 (e.g., atablet, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a laptop) at a lower power thatdoes not drain or reduce the power of the automation attachment 210. Inaddition, the BLE transceivers 416 may be utilized to communicate withother assemblies, components or devices within the automationattachment. In embodiments, the one or more BLE transceivers 416 maycommunicate with the one or more lighting assemblies 221. Inembodiments, for example, the one or more BLE transceivers 416 maycommunicate with the one or more processors 405. In embodiments, the oneor more BLE transceivers 416 may communicate with one or more motorcontrollers 410. In embodiments, the one or more BLE transceivers 416may be utilized for communication with the one or more environmentalsensor assemblies 227. In embodiments, the one or more BLE transceivers416 may be utilized to communicate with one or more charging assemblies(not shown). As mentioned, by using the BLE communication protocol withthe different assemblies, components, or external devices, power may beconserved in the automation attachment 210 which allows the automationattachment 210 to be powered under solar power. Other low energywireless communication transceivers may also be utilized.

In embodiments, the one or more PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) transceivers 417may be utilized to receive audio communications (e.g., digital musicfiles and/or sound files) which may then be communicated to the one ormore integrated speakers 226 of the automated attachment 210. Inembodiments, if one or more cameras are added to the automationattachment, the Bluetooth transceivers 417 may be utilized tobi-directionally communicate commands or instructions to the camera andcaptured sound or video or images to other components or assemblies orto external computing devices (e.g., such as servers and/or mobilecomputing devices 272). In embodiments, if microphones are utilized tocaptured audio from an environment around the umbrella or from a user oroperator, then the one or more Bluetooth transceivers 417 may beutilized to communicate commands to the microphones 285 and to transmitcaptured audio files that were captured by the one or more microphones285.

In embodiments, the automation attachment 210 may comprise one or moreLAN or WAN wireless communication transceivers 418 (e.g., 802.11wireless transceivers or WiFi transceivers). In embodiments, the one ormore LAN or WiFi transceivers 418 may be utilized to receive audiocommunications (e.g., digital music files and sound files) which maythen be communicated to the one or more integrated speakers 226 of theautomated attachment 210. In embodiments, if one or more cameras areadded to the automation attachment, the LAN or WiFi transceivers 418 maybe utilized to bi-directionally communicate commands or instructions tothe camera and captured sound or video or images to other components orassemblies or to external computing devices (e.g., such as serversand/or mobile computing devices 272). In embodiments, if one or moremicrophones 285 are utilized to capture audio (e.g., spoken voices) froman environment around the umbrella or from a user or operator, then theone or more LAN or WiFi transceivers 418 may be utilized to communicatecommands to the microphones 285 and to transmit captured audio filesthat were captured by the one or more microphones 285. In embodiments,the automation attachment 210 and/or the main processor module 220 maycomprise one or more wireless cellular transceivers (not shown).

In embodiments, the automation attachment 210 may comprise one or moreenvironmental sensor assemblies 227. FIG. 5 illustrates an environmentalsensor assembly according to embodiments. In embodiments, the one ormore sensor assemblies 227 may be one or more wind sensors 505. Inembodiments, the one or more environmental sensor assemblies 227 may betemperature sensors 506, lightning sensors 507, rain or moisture sensors508 and/or humidity sensors 509. In embodiments, the one or more sensorassemblies 227 may be directional sensors such as one or moreaccelerometers 511, one or more gyroscopes 512, one or more GPS orGLONASS transceivers 513, one or more digital compasses 514, one or moremotion detectors or motion sensors 518 (e.g., also including LOSsensors, sonic sensors, LIDAR sensors, and/or one or more digitalbarometers 516). In embodiments, the one or more sensor assemblies 227may comprise air quality sensors 517 (e.g., carbon monoxide sensors,carbon dioxide sensors, radiation sensors, UV radiation sensors (e.g.,not light sensors), and/or smoke sensors). In embodiments, the airquality sensors may include methane or other gas sensors. Inembodiments, an air quality senso may provide ozone measurements,particulate matter measurements, carbon monoxide measurements, carbondioxide measurements, UV radiation measurements (not light measurements,UVA, UVB and UVC measurements), smoke measurements, temperaturemeasurements, humidity measurements, lightning sensor measurements, rainsensor measurements, sulfur dioxide measurements and/or nitrous oxidemeasurements. In embodiments, an air quality sensor 811 may provideallergen measurements.

In embodiments, the main processor module 220 may include one or moreprocessors 405, one or more memory modules or devices 420 and/orcomputer-readable instructions 421 stored in the one or more memorymodules or devices 420. In embodiments, the computer-readableinstructions 421 may be executable by the one or more processors 405 inthe main processor module 220 to communicate with one or more sensors(e.g., any of the sensors listed above) in the sensor assemblies ormodules 227. In embodiments, the communication may be to activate one ormore sensors of the one or more environmental sensor assemblies 227. Inembodiments, the communication may be to receive readings, measurementsor status indicators from one or more sensors of the one or more sensorassemblies 227. In embodiments, the readings, measurements, and/orstatus parameters may be raw measurements and/or in other embodiments,the readings, measurements or status parameters may be processed orrefined measurements. In embodiments, other communication buses,protocols and/or transceivers may be utilized (e.g., such as using anI2C bus and/or CAN bus) to communicate with one or more sensors of theone or more environmental sensor assemblies 227. In embodiments, the oneor more processors 405 of the main processor module 220 may communicatewith the sensor assemblies or modules 227 utilizing a BLE transceiver216. In embodiments, the sensor assemblies or modules 227 mayindividually include a BLE wireless communication transceiver.

In embodiments, computer-readable instructions 421 executable by the oneor more processors 405 of the main processor module 220 may directlyactivate and/or request measurements, reading values and/or statusmeasurements from the one or more sensors and may receive measurements,reading values and/or status measurements from one or more sensors inthe one or more sensor assemblies 227. In this case, a BLE wirelesstransceiver may not need to be utilized because there is a communicationlink between one or more processors 405 and/or one or more sensors Inembodiments, the one or more sensors assemblies 227 may be madeutilizing a 3D printer or by additive manufacturing techniques. Inembodiments, the one or more sensor assemblies 227 may be modular,detachable and/or removable from a core housing of an automationattachment 210. This provides an advantage of being able to remove andreplace malfunctioning sensors, to add additional or new sensors, and/orto upgrade to new or different sensors in the one or more sensorassemblies 227 in the automation attachment 210.

In embodiments, the automation attachment 210 may comprise one or morespeaker assemblies 226. In embodiments, the automation attachment 210may comprise two speaker assemblies 226 or four speaker assemblies 226.FIG. 6A illustrates a block diagram of a speaker assembly according toembodiments. In embodiments, each of the one or more speaker assemblies226 may comprise a housing 605, a speaker or sound reproduction device607, and/or a passive radiator 608. In embodiments, each of the one ormore speaker assemblies 226 may further comprise an audio receiver 606or, alternatively, an audio receiver 606 may be shared and/or utilizedby multiple speaker assemblies 226. In embodiments, audio (e.g., musicfiles and/or sound files) may be communicated by the one or more PAN(e.g., Bluetooth) transceivers on the main processor module 220 to theaudio transceiver(s) 606 and then reproduced on the speaker(s) 607and/or the passive radiator(s) 608. In embodiments, the one or morespeaker assemblies 226 (and/or the speaker housing 605) may be madeutilizing a 3D printer or by additive manufacturing techniques. Inembodiments, the one or more speaker assemblies 226 (and/or the speakerhousing 605) may be modular, detachable and/or removable from a corehousing or section of an automation attachment 210. FIG. 6B illustratesa speaker assembly including a speaker and a passive radiator in asection of an automation attachment 210 according to embodiments. Thisdetachability provides an advantage of being able to remove and replaceaudio components or assemblies (e.g., speaker(s), audio transceiver(s)and/or passive radiator(s)) in the one or more speaker assemblies 226.In embodiments, the one or more speaker assemblies 226 may furthercomprise one or more subwoofer 609.

In embodiments, the automation attachment 210 may comprise one or morelighting assemblies 221. In embodiments, the one or more lightingassemblies 221 may comprise one or more LED lights 710. FIG. 7illustrates a block diagram of one or more lighting assemblies accordingto embodiments. In embodiments, the one or more LED lights 710 mayproject light in an upward direction, a downward direction or at anangle approximately 90 degrees from a vertical axis (e.g., sideways). Inembodiments, the one or more LED lights 710 may comprise a single lightor may comprise a strip of lights. In embodiments, the one or morelighting assemblies 221 may comprise a lighting controller 703 toreceive signals or commands from a wired or wireless communicationtransceiver to activate or turn off the lights and/or to change abrightness or intensity of the lights. In some embodiments, a controllermay not be utilized. In embodiments, a BLE transceiver 416 on a mainprocessor module 220 may communicate a signal or command to the one ormore lighting assemblies 221 to turn on or off the lights or change thebrightness of the lights. In embodiments, the signal or command may be ahigh frequency signal such as a pulse width modulation signal to controla turning on, a turning off and/or an adjustment of a brightness of theone or more lights in the one or more lighting assemblies. In someembodiments, the signal communicated from the BLE transceiver 416 maypass through a lighting controller 703 before being communicated to theone or more lights in the one or more lighting assemblies 221. In analternate embodiments, the one or more lighting assemblies 221 maycomprise a PWM control unit 706. In embodiments, computer-readableinstructions executable by one or more processors 205 in the mainprocessor module 220 may communicate with the PWM control unit 706utilizing an I2C and/or SPI protocol. In embodiments, this provides anadvantage over the BLE transceiver communicating with the one or morelighting assemblies because the PWM control unit 606 may communicatemultiple PWM control signals and thus independently control multiplelights 709 and/or 710 in the one or more lighting assemblies 221. Inembodiments, this may be very useful when a color lighting system (e.g.,RGBW color lighting system) in the automation attachment 210. Incontrast, if the BLE transceiver is utilized, there are a limited amountof control signals that may be communicated to the one or more lightingassemblies 221 (because the main processor module 220 has a limitedamount of control signals that may be generated). In embodiments, theone or more lighting assemblies 221 (and/or a lighting assembly housing)may be made utilizing a 3D printer or by additive manufacturingtechniques. In embodiments, the one or more lighting assemblies 221(and/or the lighting assembly housing) may be modular, detachable and/orremovable from a core housing of an automation attachment. This providesan advantage of being able to remove and replace components orassemblies (e.g., lighting assemblies or lights or PWM control units) inthe one or more lighting assemblies 221. In embodiments, a lightingstrip may also be provided that may be attached to one or more of thearms or blades 255 to provide light for a surrounding area. Inembodiments, the lighting strip may be powered by one or more batteriesprovided within the lighting strip. In embodiments, a cable may run froma lighting assembly to the lighting strip alongside the center supportassembly 207 or within or inside the center support assembly 207.

In embodiments, the automation attachment 210 may comprise a powersubassembly 280. In embodiments, a power subassembly 280 may comprise apower plug to receive power from an external power source (e.g., a walloutlet or an outdoor outlet) and to provide power to one or morecharging assemblies (not shown). In embodiments, the one or morecharging assemblies may distribute power to other components in theautomation attachment 210. In embodiments, the power subassembly maycomprise a removable and/or detachable rechargeable battery 223 and/orone or more charging assemblies to distribute power to other componentsand/or assemblies in the automation attachment 210. In embodiments, aremovable and/or detachable rechargeable battery 223 may be plugged intoa separate and/or independent docking station in order to be chargedwith suitable power for the automation attachment 210 of the umbrellaand/or parasol. For example, a user, operator and/or owner of anumbrella or parasol could have multiple rechargeable batteries 223 andcould charge one battery while another battery is providing power to theautomation attachment 210 and/or the umbrella 220. In embodiments, oneor more rechargeable batteries may be powered via one or more solarpanels 260. In embodiments, the one or more solar panels 260 may beattached and/or connected to a power subassembly 280 (and/or the one ormore charging assemblies and/or the one or more rechargeable batteries223) via a cable 247. In embodiments, the one or more solar panels 260may be attached to a frame, an arm or blade and/or fabric of an existingumbrella or parasol. In embodiments, the one or more solar panels 260may come in a kit with the automation attachment 210 and the cable 247.In embodiments, when the cable is not in use, it may be positioned orfastened next to or on an underside a frame of the umbrella, the armsupport assemblies, the arms of the parasol or umbrella.

In embodiments, the automation attachment 210 may comprise one or moremicrophones 285 or audio input devices. In embodiments, the one or moremicrophones 285 or audio input devices may be a microphone line array.In embodiments, the one or more microphones may allow the automationattachment 210 to receive voice commands and either 1) analyze the voicecommands within the automation attachment 210 to generate correspondingumbrella device or assembly commands or instructions and/or 2) tocommunicate (e.g., transmit) the received voice commands for analyzationand interpretation by an external computing device (e.g., such as avoice recognition server), where the external computing devicecommunicates back analyzed or interpreted umbrella device or assemblycommands. In embodiments, the one or more microphones 285 may beembedded into a surface of the automation attachment 210 or may be aline array that is built into and/or connected to automation attachment210. In embodiments, the one or more microphones 285 may be part of,built in, or integrated into the main processor module 220. Inembodiments, the one or more microphones 285 may be positioned onmultiple surfaces or portions of the automation attachment 210 so as tocapture voice commands spoken from a number of directions. Inembodiments, the voice commands received via the one or more microphonesmay allow a user or operator to command operation for example ofdifferent assemblies in the umbrella and specifically the automationattachment 210.

In embodiments, a mobile communication or computing device 272 maycommunicate with the automation attachment 210 in order to controloperations of sensors, components, assemblies and/or devices, receivestatus parameters for components, assemblies and/or devices, and/orreceive sensor measurements or parameters. In embodiments, a mobilecommunication device 272 may be communicating bi-directionally with theautomation attachment 210 of the umbrella or parasol. This is asignificant improvement over communicating via a remote control devicewhere only limited commands such as on or off may be communicated to anumbrella and there is no receiving of parameters and/or measurementsback from an umbrella or parasol 200. In embodiments, for example, amobile communication device 272 (e.g., software executable by aprocessor of a mobile computing device) may communicate commands to anautomation attachment to open or close an umbrella and may receiveconfirmation back that the operation has been completed and the utilizedcomponents and/or assemblies (e.g., motors, pulleys) are operational).In embodiments, as another example, a mobile communication device 270may communicate a command to activate a wind sensor (or other sensor)and to capture wind sensor, environmental sensor, motion sensor, and/ordirectional sensor readings or measurements. In embodiments, theautomation attachment 210 may communicate and/or transmit back capturedwind sensor measurements (or other sensor measurements) to the mobilecommunication device. In embodiments, a mobile communication orcomputing device 272 may utilize software installed thereon tocommunicate with the automation attachment 210 (e.g., SMARTSHADESOFTWARE) and receive input via a touchscreen, a keyboard, a stylus orother user interface input components. In embodiments, a user oroperator may speak audio commands into a mobile computing device 272 tocontrol operation of the automation attachment (“Open Umbrella, CloseUmbrella, Turn on Speakers, Turn on or off lights, Capture SensorMeasurements”). In embodiments, voice recognition software executing onthe mobile computing device 272 may recognize, interpret and generateumbrella or parasol-specific commands and the mobile computing device272 may communicate the generated umbrella or parasol-specific commandsto the automation attachment 210 to control operations of theseassemblies. In embodiments, the voice commands may be communicated asaudio files to the automation attachment 210, which may either analyze,recognize and then generate umbrella or parasol-specific commandslocally (e.g., within the automation attachment 210) or may communicatethe received audio files (or text representative thereof) to a thirdparty computing device (located locally or remotely) for analyzation,interpretation and generation of umbrella or parasol-specific commands,which are then communicated back to the automation attachment 210 inorder to have the recognized operations performed. In embodiments, themobile communications device 270 may be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptopcomputer, a network computer, a mobile phone, etc.).

In embodiments, a mobile communications device 270, a computing deviceat a remote location, or an existing computing device (e.g., a POSterminal at a hospitality venue) may communicate with and receivecommunications from a plurality of automation attachments on variousumbrellas, shading devices, and/or parasols. In embodiments, forexample, this means a facility or event venue with multiple manualumbrellas may install automation attachments on one or more of theumbrellas, shading devices and/or parasols and be able to control theoperation of multiple parasols, umbrellas or shading devices. Inembodiments, because the automation attachments 210 may be removable ordetachable from the existing manual umbrellas, the automationattachments 210 may be moved from one or more umbrellas, parasols,and/or shading devices to another umbrellas, parasols, and/or shadingdevices. This provides an advantage and/or improvement over existingsystems because there is the ability to automate a number of parasols orumbrellas and there is also the flexibility of moving the automationattachments to different umbrellas (so that a venue does not have to buyan automation attachment for every umbrella). In embodiments, the mobilecomputing device 272 (or computing device at a remote location orexisting computing device at hospitality venue) may communicate with twoor more automation attachments 210 via the one or more wirelesscommunication transceivers 415 in the automation attachment 210. Inembodiments, the components, assemblies or devices (e.g., environmentalsensor assemblies 227; main processor module 220, motor pulley assembly825 and/or the LED assemblies 221, one or more image devices) maycommunicate sensor measurements and values; audio, video, images; and/orstatus parameters of components, assemblies or devices back to themobile computing device 272 (or computing device at a remote location orexisting computing device at hospitality venue). In embodiments, themeasurements and/or status parameters may be displayed withinapplication software executing on the mobile computing device 272 (orremote computing devices). In embodiments, the operation of the multipleautomation attachments on multiple umbrellas, parasols or shadingdevices may be controlled via fleet management software such as has beendescribed in application Ser. No. 16/008,000, filed Jun. 13, 2018, andentitled METHOD AND SYSTEM OF FLEET MANAGEMENT OF SHADING DEVICES, whichis incorporated herein by reference. In embodiments, voice control,gesture recognition and/or utilization of menu icons may be utilized tocontrol operation of one or more multiple umbrellas through thesoftware.

In embodiments, automation attachment may further comprise a button orcontrol panel 290 to control operation of the automation attachment 210(e.g., the assemblies of the automation attachment and the opening andclosing of the umbrella arm support assemblies 250 (or frame) and arms).In embodiments, a button 250 may be electrically and/or communicativelycoupled with the one or more processors 205 in the main processor module220 so that specific commands may be processed and/or interpreted by themain processor module. In embodiments, computer-readable instructions421 executable by the one or more processors may receive signals fromone of the buttons or a control panel, may interpret the receivedsignals to determine what operations may need to be performed, and thenmay generate commands or instructions to the designated and/or selectedassemblies or components. For example, pressing of a button may resultin opening and/or closing of an umbrella. In embodiments, the controlpanel 290 may comprise multiple selectable icons or buttons (e.g.,open/close umbrella arms/turn on or off lights/turn on audio system andplay music/activate sensor assemblies to capture sensor readings/turn onor off microphones to allow voice command capture/turn on or offwireless communication capabilities)

In embodiments, the upper pulley support assembly 270 and/or the middlepulley support assembly 247 may also include additional components,assemblies or devices housed therein and/or attached thereto. Inembodiments, for example, the upper pulley support assembly 270 maycomprise one or more lighting assemblies and the lighting assemblies maycomprise one or more lights (e.g., LED lights). In embodiments, the oneor more lighting assemblies may receive power via a battery in the uppersupport assembly 270. In embodiments, the one or more lightingassemblies in the upper pulley assembly 270 may receive power via powerlines or cables that are connected to either a rechargeable battery or acharging assembly in the automation attachment 210.

In embodiments, the power lines or cables may be part of or integratedwith the rope and/or cable 233 that is running or traveling through thepulleys and/or attached to the arm collar assembly 248. In theseillustrative embodiments, the rope or cable 233 may transfer power viaan input port or connector (e.g., USB or other power connector) orthrough inductive coupling where the rope or cable 233 induces a currentinto a coil that is resident within the upper pulley support assembly270. For umbrellas, parasols and shading systems, this is an advantageover existing systems because the rope or cable may now serves multiplepurposes of 1) providing the mechanism for lifting up an arm collarassembly and 2) for transmitting signals and/or power to differentcomponents with a parasol and/or automation attachment 210. In addition,this allows one or more components to be located in the upper pulleysupport assembly 270 and thus more features may be provided to theexisting parasols, umbrellas or shading systems. In embodiments, forexample, the upper support assembly 270 may further comprise one or moreaudio speakers to reproduce audio (e.g., voices and/or music). Inembodiments, the one or more audio speakers may be power as discussed bythe power transmitted by the rope or cable. In embodiments, the one ormore audio speakers in the upper support assembly 270 may include a PANtransceiver and may receive audio signals communicated from a PANtransceiver in the main processor module 220 or alternatively, from aPAN transceiver in a mobile communications device 272 transmitting theaudio signals to the umbrella, parasol or shading system 200.

In embodiments, the upper pulley support assembly 270 may furthercomprise one or more sensor assemblies (e.g., wind sensor, humiditysensor, temperature sensors or other sensors described above). Inembodiments, the one or more sensor assemblies may be self-powered(e.g., a wind sensor may be powered by mechanical movement of componentswhen wind is detected and captured and/or sensor assemblies may includea rechargeable power source or a replaceable battery) or may be poweredfrom a rechargeable battery in the upper support assembly 270. Inembodiment, the one or more sensors present in the upper pulley supportassembly 270 may be powered via a cable from an automation attachmentbattery 222 or charging assembly. In embodiments, a mobile computingdevice 272 may communicate with an environmental sensor assembly in anupper support assembly 270 if the environmental sensor assembly has aBLE transceiver. In embodiments, a main processor module's 220 BLEtransceiver 416 may communicate with a BLE transceiver in the upperpulley support assembly 270 to activate or deactivate the sensorassembly in the upper pulley support assembly 270, capture measurementsand then receive sensor measurements or sensor status parameters fromthe sensor assembly in the upper support assembly 270. In embodiments,it may be beneficial to place sensors in the upper support assembly 270to verify readings taken by sensors in the sensor assembly 227 of theautomation attachment 210 as well to obtain readings or measurementsfrom a different part of the environment surrounding the umbrella,shading device, or parasol.

In embodiments, the upper pulley support assembly 270 may be attached orconnected via a wire or cable or rope to one or more solar panels orarrays 260. In embodiments, the solar panels or arrays 260 may providepower to the upper pulley support assembly 270 either directly orthrough a charging assembly or voltage regulator located in the upperpulley support assembly 270. The solar panels or arrays 260 may alsoprovide similar power to the middle pulley support assembly 247. Inembodiments, the one or more solar panels or arrays 260 may bedetachable from a shading fabric, arm and/or frame and also may beplugged into and/or detachable from the upper pulley support assembly260 or middle pulley support assembly 247.

In embodiments, the upper pulley support assembly 270 may be attached tocenter support assembly 207 via a fastener or connector such as a pin.In embodiments, the upper pulley support assembly 270 may have a spaceor hole in its center through which the center support assembly 207 maypass and there may be rubber or adhesive rings that are attached to orintegrated into the upper pulley support assembly 270 and then may bepressed against the center support assembly to make sure the upperpulley support assembly 270 does not move. In embodiments, the upperpulley support assembly 270 may be two or more pieces that snap, fit orconnect together. In embodiments, a coupling attachment may be placedabout the center support assembly 207 and a ridge of an upper pulleysupport assembly 270 may be placed or inserted into the center supportassembly 207. In embodiments, the couplers described previously withrespect to the automation attachment 210 may be utilized with the upperpulley support assembly 270 and/or the middle pulley support assembly.

Although the preceding discussion has focused on the upper pulleysupport assembly 270, the middle pulley support assembly 247 may alsocomprise environmental sensor assemblies, lighting assemblies,rechargeable batteries and/or speaker assemblies and may be alsoattached to a solar panel assembly 260, as discussed above with respectto the upper pulley support assembly 270.

In embodiments, the automation attachment 210 may also come with a ropeor cable 233 that not only may be utilized to attach to a shaft, travelthrough pulleys and/or lift (or assist in lifting) an arm collarassembly 248. In addition, the rope or cable 233 may also be utilized tocommunicate data, information or signals between the automationattachment 210 and other structures, components and/or assemblies in theparasol or umbrella, as well as to provide power to the otherstructures, components and/or assemblies in the parasol or umbrella.This is a significant improvement to existing umbrellas in that the ropeor cable becomes multi-purpose and a tool in supplying power to provideadditional features for the existing umbrella. In embodiments, the cableor rope 233 may provide power and/or data utilizing a USB communicationprotocol, an I2C communication protocol and/or a CAN communicationprotocol. In embodiments, 1) one or more interior lines, conductors orwires of a cable or rope 233 may be utilized for data or control signalcommunication and 2) one or more interior lines, conductors or wires maybe utilized to providing or transferring power. In embodiments, thecable or rope 233 may need to be flexible enough to bend around pulleysand may need to be strong enough to be utilized to lift an arm collarassembly 248 while at the same time protecting the wires and/orconductors located on an interior of rope or cable 233. In embodiments,the rope or cable 233 may be fastened to or travel along a centersupport assembly 207 as it connects, for example, the automationattachment 210 to an upper pulley support assembly 270, a middle pulleysupport assembly 247, sensors or other components external to theautomation attachment 210 and/or the one or more solar panel assemblies260. In embodiments, another cable may be utilized to connect the one ormore solar panels or arrays or cells 260 to a charging assembly, and/ora rechargeable battery 223 located in the automation attachment 210. Inembodiments, the rope or cable 233 may be detachable at different partsor locations of the existing umbrella and/or automation attachment 210.

In embodiments, an automation kit may be supplied to a user or operatorto automate an existing umbrella, parasol or shading system. Inembodiments, an automation kit may comprise a multi-piece automationattachment 210, one or more rechargeable batteries 223, and/or one ormore ropes and/or cable 233. In embodiments, the automation kit maycomprise an upper pulley support assembly 270. In embodiments, theautomation kit may comprise a middle pulley support assembly 247. Inembodiments, the automation kit may further comprise one or solar cells,panels or arrays 260. In embodiments, an automation kit may comprise oneor more rubber (or flexible material) adapters or couplers to attach orpress next to a center support assembly 207 and hold the automationattachment 210, the upper pulley support assembly 270 and/or the middlepulley support assembly 247 against the center support assembly 207. Inembodiments, the multi-piece automation attachment 210 may comprise twopieces or four pieces that are connected together (via snap connectorsor fasteners) or fitted together utilizing hooks and/or recesses. Inembodiments, each of the pieces (e.g., housings) of the automationattachment 210 may have modular assemblies that attach and/or detachfrom the housing pieces in order to allow a user or operator to upgrade,change out and/or replace existing components and/or assemblies. Inembodiments, these modular assemblies may include a main processormodule 220, one or more environmental sensor assemblies, one or morespeaker assemblies 226, a motor pulley assemblies 225 and/or one or morebattery assemblies 222.

In embodiments, the automation attachment 210 may be water proof andmoisture may not penetrate an interior of the automation attachment 210.In embodiments, the automation attachment 210 may be waterproofbecause 1) housings of the automation attachments may be form fitted toseal any openings; 2) the rubber adapters may form a seal so an interiorportion of the automation attachment (e.g., by the center supportassembly 207) may be sealed from any water coming into the automationattachment; and/or 3) most if not all the components be located insidehousings of the pieces of the automation attachments. In embodiments,the rope or cable 233 may be located in a center support assembly andthus emerge outside the automation attachment 210 but not compromise thewaterproof seal or nature of the automation attachment. In embodiments,the rope or cable's 233 entrance into the automation attachment may bemade utilized an electronic connector or port, which may be covered whennot in use. Further, rubber connectors or gaskets may be utilized toseal off an entrance of the rope or cable into the automation attachment210.

In embodiments, certain operations may cause audio to be broadcast fromthe one or more speaker assemblies 226. In embodiments,computer-readable instructions 241 executable by the one or moreprocessors 205 may monitor when certain events are occurring in theautomation attachment 210 and/or umbrella and may transfer orcommunicate pre-designated sound files to the speaker assemblies 226 forbroadcast. For example, if it is detected that the pulley and motorsystem 225 is being utilized, an “umbrella opening” or “umbrellaclosing” audio file may be communicated to the speaker assemblies 226 towarn users or operators. Similarly, timers could be set so that thecomputer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processorstransfer audio files when lights are being turned on or off or when asolar panel is being utilized.

In embodiments, an automation attachment 210 may further comprise one ormore USB charging ports 295. In embodiments, the USB ports or interfaces295 may provide power to mobile computing devices 272 or may provide amethod to transfer in large files directly to the automation attachment210 (e.g., sound files, video files, new software updates or patches).In embodiments, the USB port 295 may receive power from a chargingassembly, a rechargeable battery 223 and/or a regulator on a mainprocessor module 220. In embodiments, the main processor module 220 mayhave USB interfaces built in and the USB port 295 may receive power(e.g., voltage and current).

FIG. 8 illustrates an automation attachment including sensors to monitormovement of an umbrella, parasol or shading system according toembodiments. In embodiments, an umbrella, parasol or shading system maycomprise a base 805, a center support assembly 807, an automationattachment 810, an arm collar assembly 848, one or more arm supportassemblies 850 and/or one or more arms 855. In embodiments, as discussedabove, the parasol, umbrella, or shading system may further comprise oneor more middle pulley support assemblies 847, and/or one or more upperpulley support assemblies 870. In embodiments, for safety reasons, it isimportant to know a position of the frame or the arms of the umbrelladuring opening and closing. In embodiments, an automation attachment 210may comprise one or more motion sensors 830. In embodiments, the one ormore motion sensors 830 may be utilized to detect a position of the armsupport assemblies 850 and/or the arms 855. Specifically, the one ormore motion sensors 830 may be active sensors which may transmitinfrared energy or radar waves and/or radio waves to sweep an area todetect movement of the arm support assemblies 850 and/or arms. Inembodiments, the one or more motion sensors 830 may utilized a focusedbeam of energy that travels between an emitter (e.g., on the automationattachment and a sensor unit on the center support 807, the arm supportassemblies 850 and/or the arms). In other words, the energy or wavecould be transmitted to a positon which corresponds to a position wherethe arm support assembly 850 (and arms) is opened at 70%. Inembodiments, if a sensor unit receives the light, then computer-readableinstructions executable by one or more processors, this means the armsupport assembly is opened at 70%. Similarly, there may be other sensorunits or assemblies at other percentage open positions, including butnot limited to, 100% open. In embodiments, status parameters and/ormeasurements of the one or more motion sensors 830 may be transmittedfrom the motion sensors 830 and evaluated by the computer-readableinstructions executable by the one or more processors. In embodiments,computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processorsmay communicate status indicators (or a representation thereof such asan audio file to one or more speaker assemblies 826) and/or an externalcomputing device 872 to be displayed within software executing on theexternal computing device 872.

In embodiments, another way to determine a deployment or retractionpercentage of the one or more arm support assemblies is to utilizeencoders and/or limit switches on the one or more motor assemblies. Inembodiments, for example, a motor assembly may comprise a motor, a motorcontroller, a motor shaft and/or an encoder. In embodiments, an encodermay count how many turns a motor makes. In embodiments, a first turncount may represent that arm support assemblies/arms have moved from arest position to a 50% extended position and a second turn count mayrepresent that arm support assemblies/arms have moved to a fullyextended position (or 1005 expansion). In embodiments, another way todetermine a deployment or retraction percentage is to utilize a motorand limit switches. In embodiments, for example, a motor assembly maycomprise a motor, a motor controller, a motor shaft and/or one or morelimit switches. In embodiments, the limit switches correspond to an endpoint for a motor (when it has rotated and/or moved the shaft to an endposition (during deployment) or a start position (during retraction). Inembodiments, if a first limit switch is reached, this corresponds to thearms or arm support assemblies being fully extended or open. Inembodiments, if a second limit switch is reached, this corresponds tothe arms or arm support assemblies being closed or fully retracted. Inembodiments, the motor assembly may be part of the motor and pulleyassembly 825. In embodiments, a motor assembly may utilize both anencoder and/or limit switches to monitor motor movement. In embodiments,computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors ofan automation attachment may be monitoring a number of turns (e.g., viaan encoder) and/or whether or not a limit switch has been reached and/oractivated. In embodiments, if these conditions are met,computer-readable instructions may communicate a sound file to the oneor more speaker assemblies to play a message for a user or operatorand/or may communicate a message (or text message) via one or morewireless communication transceivers to a mobile communication device fordisplay to a user or operator.

In embodiments, an automation attachment 810 may further comprise air orwind sensors 830 to measure wind speed in an environment around theparasol, umbrella and/or shading system. In embodiments, the air or windsensors 830 may be outside or attached to a top surface of an automationattachment 810 in order to measure wind speed at an elevation about aground surface. In addition, by being placed on a top surface of anautomation attachment 810, the one or more wind sensors 830 may be ableto measure wind speed without having to worry about the automationattachment 810 blocking the wind. In embodiments, the one or more windsensors 830 may transmit wind sensor measurements and/or statusparameters to one or more processors on the main processor module 820.In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or moreprocessors on the main processor module 820 may receive the wind sensormeasurements and/or status parameters and compare these againstthreshold wind sensor measurements. If the received wind sensormeasurements are equal to or greater than a threshold, thecomputer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors ofthe main processor module may communicate a warning sound file to theone or more speaker assemblies 826 and/or a warning message to themobile communication or computing device 872 for display to a user viashading device (umbrella or parasol) operation software (e.g.,SMARTSHADE). In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executableby one or more processors may communicate instructions to the one ormore wind sensors to capture wind speed measurements and then tocommunicate the captured wind speed measurements (or wind sensor statusparameters) back to the one or more processors. Then, as describedabove, the received wind sensor measurements may be compared to windspeed threshold measurements as described above. In embodiments, if ameasured wind speed is too high, the computer-readable instructionsexecutable by the one or more processors may communicate instructions,messages and/or signals to the motor and pulley assembly 825 to closethe umbrella or parasol due to problematic or dangerous conditions.

In embodiments, a lower pulley support assembly 847 may comprise one ormore motion detection sensors or distance sensors 851. In embodiments,the motion detection sensors or distance sensors 851 on the lower pulleysupport assembly 847 may be detecting movement of the arm collarassembly 848 (e.g., by determining how far the arm collar assembly 848is away from the lower pulley support assembly 847). In embodiments, forexample, the motion detection sensors or distance sensors 851 maydetermine that an arm collar assembly 848 is a first distance from thelower pulley support assembly and that corresponds to the arm supportassemblies 850 and arms being fully deployed in an open position. Inembodiments, for example, the motion detection sensors or distancesensors may determine that the arm collar assembly 848 is a second,shorted distance from the lower pulley support assembly 847 whichcorresponds to arm support assemblies 850 and arms 855 being in a closedor retracted position. In embodiments, the one or more motion detectionor distance sensors 851 may transmit distance measurements and/or statusparameters to one or more processors on the main processor module. Inembodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or moreprocessors on the main processor module 820 may receive the distance ordetection measurements and/or status parameters and compare theseagainst existing distance measurements to determine what position theumbrella or parasol is currently in. In embodiments, thecomputer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors ofthe main processor module may communicate an umbrella position messageto the mobile communication or computing device 872 for display to auser via shading device (umbrella or parasol) operation software (e.g.,SMARTSHADE). In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executableby one or more processors may communicate instructions to the one ormore motion detection or distance sensors to capture distancemeasurements and/or status parameters and then to communicate thecaptured distance measurements (or sensor status parameters) back to theone or more processors. Then, as described above, the received distancemeasurements may be compared to existing distance measurements asdescribed above to determine a message to be communicated. Similarly,the one or more sensors 851 on the middle pulley support assembly maymeasure a distance to one or more arm support assemblies 850 and/or oneor more arms 855 and the comparison discussed above may be made withrespect to known distances for opening and closing positions between theone or more sensors 851 (on the middle pulley support assembly 847) andthe arm support assemblies 850 and/or the one or more arms 855.

In embodiments, an automation attachment, a lower pulley supportassembly 847, an upper pulley support assembly, one or more arm supportassemblies 850 and/or one or more arms may comprise one or more motiondetection sensors or motion sensors. In embodiments, the motiondetection sensors or motion sensors installed on the differentassemblies mentioned above may be detect movement and/or calculate adistance of objects and/or living organisms around the existingumbrella. In embodiments, for example, the motion detection sensors ormotion sensors may determine that an individual or organism is close tothe existing umbrella. In embodiments, for example, the motion detectionsensors or motion sensors may determine that the object or livingorganism is a distance from the motion detection sensors or motionsensors. In embodiments, the one or more motion detection or motionsensors 851 may transmit a signal or indicator that an object or aliving organism has been detected, distance measurements and/or statusparameters to one or more processors on the main processor module. Inembodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or moreprocessors on the main processor module 820 may receive the indicatorthat an object or a living organism has been detected, a distancemeasurement, and/or status parameters. In embodiments, thecomputer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors ofthe main processor module may communicate a signal to a component of theautomation attachment (e.g., a camera and/or an audio system) toactivate the component in order to alert an existing umbrella operatorthat an object or a living organism is present in an area around theexisting umbrella (by activating the camera or generating an alarmthrough the audio system). In embodiments, the computer-readableinstructions executable by the one or more processors of the mainprocessor module may also transmit a message, command or instructions tothe mobile communication or computing device 872 for display to a uservia shading device (umbrella or parasol) operation software (e.g.,SMARTSHADE).

In embodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or moreprocessors may communicate instructions to the one or more motiondetection or mt sensors to capture distance measurements and/or statusparameters and then to communicate the captured distance measurements(or sensor status parameters) back to the one or more processors. Then,as described above, the received distance measurements may be comparedto existing distance measurements as described above to determine amessage to be communicated. Similarly, the one or more sensors 851 onthe middle pulley support assembly may measure a distance to one or morearm support assemblies 850 and/or one or more arms 855 and thecomparison discussed above may be made with respect to known distancesfor opening and closing positions between the one or more sensors 851(on the middle pulley support assembly 847) and the arm supportassemblies 850 and/or the one or more arms 855.

In embodiments, the upper pulley support assembly 870 may comprise oneor more distance or motion detection sensors 852. In embodiments,operation and use of the one or more distance or motion detectionsensors 852 may be similar to the operation discussed above for the oneor more sensors 851 on the lower pulley support assembly 870. Thus, thedescription will not be repeated. In embodiments, the one or moredistance or detection sensors 852 on the upper pulley support assembly870 may be utilized in conjunction with the one or more distance ordetection sensors 851 on the lower pulley support assembly 847 in orderto determine positions of the arm collar assembly 848, the arm supportassemblies 850 and/or the one or more arms 855 (and thus whether theumbrella is opened or closed or partially opened or closed.

In embodiments, the one or more arm support assemblies 850 may compriseone or more motion detection or distance sensors 854. In embodiments,the one or more motion detection or distance sensors 854 may capturesensor measurements or status parameters and communicate suchinformation as described above. In embodiments, the one or more motiondetection or distance sensors 854 on the one more arm support assembliesmay measure a distance to a ground surface and/or a distance to a centersupport assembly 807 (and/or even to an automation attachment 810).These distances may be analyzed as discussed above. In addition, thesensors 854 may be gyroscopes and/or accelerometers and may measure anelevation angle or position with respect to a reference point. Inembodiments, these directional measurements may assist in determining aposition of one or more arm support assemblies 850 with respect to aknown position (e.g., are the one or more arm support assemblies 850 ata 45 degree angle (open) or a 22.5 degree angle (partially opened orclosed)).

In embodiments, the one or more directional sensors 854 may transmitangular or positional measurements and/or status parameters to one ormore processors on the main processor module 820. In embodiments,computer-readable instructions executable by one or more processors onthe main processor module 820 may receive the angular or positionalmeasurements and/or status parameters and compare these against existingangular measurements to determine what position the umbrella or parasolis currently in. In embodiments, the computer-readable instructionsexecutable by one or more processors of the main processor module 820may communicate an umbrella position message to the mobile communicationor computing device 872 for display to a user via shading device(umbrella or parasol) operation software (e.g., SMARTSHADE). Inembodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by one or moreprocessors may communicate instructions to the one or more directionalsensors to capture angular or position measurements and/or statusparameters and then to communicate the captured angular or positionmeasurements (or sensor status parameters) back to the one or moreprocessors. Then, as described above, the received distance measurementsmay be compared to existing distance measurements as described above todetermine a message to be communicated. Likewise, the computer-readableinstructions executable by one or more processors may then communicate asound file corresponding to the position of the umbrella or parasol tothe one or more speaker assemblies 826 for playback or to the mobilecomputing device 872 (via one or more wireless communicationtransceivers) for display via shading device operation softwareexecuting and running on the mobile computing device 872.

In embodiments, the one or more arms 855 may comprise one or more motiondetection or distance sensors 853. In embodiments, the one or moremotion detection or distance sensors 853 may capture sensor measurementsor status parameters and communicate such information as describedabove. In embodiments, the one or more motion detection or distancesensors 853 on the one more arm support assemblies may measure adistance to a ground surface and/or a distance to a center supportassembly 807 (and/or even to an automation attachment 810). Thesedistances may be analyzed as discussed above. In addition, the sensors853 may be gyroscopes and/or accelerometers and may measure an elevationangle or position with respect to a reference point. In embodiments,these directional measurements may assist in determining a position ofone or more arms 855 with respect to a known position (e.g., are the oneor more arm support assemblies 850 at a 90 degree angle (open) or a 45degree angle (partially opened or closed)). The one or more directionalsensors 853 may operate and communicate with one or more processors inthe main processor module 820 of the automation attachment as describedabove.

In embodiments, one or more arm support assemblies 850, one or more arms855, the lower pulley support assembly 847 or the upper pulley supportassembly 870 may comprise environmental sensor assemblies (such astemperature sensor(s), wind sensor(s), digital barometer, humiditysensor(s), lightning sensor(s), rain or moisture sensor(s), air qualitysensor(s), smoke sensor(s) and/or UV radiation sensors). In embodiments,the environmental sensor assemblies may capture environmental sensormeasurements, parameters and/or status parameters of the environment inwhich the automation attachment is located. In embodiments,computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processorsin the main processor module may receive the captured environmentalsensor measurements, parameters and/or status parameters. Inembodiments, the computer-readable instructions executable by the one ormore processors in the main processor module may communicate thecaptured environmental sensor measurements, parameters and/or statusparameters via the one or more wireless communication transceivers toexternal computing devices.

In embodiments, the one or more sensors sensor assemblies, whereinstalled or resident on the automation attachment body 810, the one ormore arm support assemblies 850, the one or more arms 855, the lowerpulley support assembly 847 and/or the upper pulley support assembly 870may capture information, measurements, parameters and/or operationalstatus parameters of a surrounding environment. In embodiments, thecaptured information, measurements, parameters and/or operational statusparameters from the one or more sensor assemblies may be communicated toan external computing device outside and separate of the automationattachment 810. In embodiments, the external computing device may be amobile computing device, a laptop computing device, a mobile phone, asmartphone, a laptop computing device, a home security computing devicefor operating a home security system, a point-of-sale computing devicefor operating in a retail or hospitality environment, and/or applicationservers or computing devices for home security, point-of-sale, event orvenue management systems. In other words, the automation attachment isunlike any product out in the market because it allows an externalcomputing device to communicate bi-directionally (e.g., can transmitcommands or instructions and receive back measurements, statusparameters, parameters and/or information) with an automation attachment810 (where the automation attachment is connected and/or coupled to anexisting umbrella which had little or no electronics and/or was notautomated). In embodiments, the sensor assemblies may communicate withthe main processor module which then utilizes one or more wirelesscommunication transceivers to communicate with the external computingdevice. The automation attachment 810 may communicate with directionalsensors, environmental sensors, motion sensors and/or distance sensorsand then communicate measurements, parameters, status parameters and/orinformation to an external computing device. This is in addition to theautomation attachment receiving commands, instructions and/or messagesfrom an external computing device to request activation or operation ofcomponents of the automation attachment.

In embodiments, the automation attachment 810 may further comprise oneor more digital imaging devices 877 such as digital or analog cameras.In embodiments, the one or more digital imaging devices 877 may captureimages from an area around an automation attachment 810. In embodiments,the one or more digital imaging devices may be powered via arechargeable battery integrated within the one or more digital cameras.In embodiments, the one or more digital imaging devices may be poweredby a removable rechargeable battery 823 installed within the automationattachment 810. In embodiments, the one or more digital imaging devices877 may be powered utilizing a rechargeable battery 823 which may or maynot receive power from a one or more solar panels or cells 860 (eitherdirectly or via a charging assembly). In embodiments, the one or moredigital imaging devices 877 may not be movable and may capture imagesand/or videos from a set orientation. In embodiments, the one or moredigital imaging devices 877 may be adjustable because the one or moredigital imaging devices 877 may be installed in an adjustment assembly878 (e.g., such as a gimbal assembly). In these illustrativeembodiments, the one or more digital imaging devices 877 may captureimages or videos from one or more orientations and these orientationsmay be adjustable by a user or operator. In embodiments, the one or moredigital imaging devices 877 may be integrated within a side of theautomation attachment 810. In embodiments, the one or more digitalimaging devices 877 may be installed on an outside surface of a side ofan automation attachment 810. In embodiments, the one or more digitalimaging devices 877 may be integrated within a top of the automationattachment 810 or may be installed on an outside top surface of theautomation attachment 810. In embodiments, the one or more buttons 890may allow operation of the one or more digital imaging devices 877. Inembodiments, a motion detector (either integrated within the automationassembly or installed on a surface of the automation attachment) maydetect motion in an area around an automation attachment 810 and maycommunicate an activation signal or instruction to the one or moredigital imaging devices 877 to capture images in an environment aroundthe automation attachment 810. In embodiments, computer-readableinstructions executable by one or more processors of the main processormodule 820 may communicate instructions to the one or more digitalimaging devices 877 to activate the device, capture images and/or videoand/or to communicate the captured image and/or video back to the mainprocessor module. In embodiments, the captured image and/or video may becommunicated via communication buses on the automation attachment (I2C,CAN or other communication protocols). In embodiments, if the one ormore digital imaging devices 877 may comprises a wireless communicationtransceiver (e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver or a BLE transceiver) andthus may communicate with one or more processors on the main processormodule via a BLE or Bluetooth wireless communication transceiver. Inthese illustrative embodiments, the computer-readable instructions maybe executed by the one or more processors to communicate the receivedvideo or images to the mobile computing device 872 via the BLEtransceiver or the Bluetooth transceiver or the WiFi transceiver of themain processor module 820. In embodiments, the one or more digitalimaging devices 877 may communicate the captured images or video to themobile computing device 872 via a BLE transceiver, a Bluetooth (or otherPAN) transceiver or the WiFi transceiver (without utilizing the one ormore processors of the main processor module). In embodiments,communications may be made utilizing a cellular transceiver. Inembodiments, the captured video or images may be displayed within awindow of umbrella or shading device operation software executing orrunning on the mobile computing device (e.g., SMARTSHADE).

In embodiments, a button or control panel 890 or a mobile computingdevice 872 (or remote computing device or existing computing device likea POS terminal) may communicate and control operations of the one ormore imaging devices 877. In embodiments, the mobile computing device872 (or remote computing device or existing computing device like a POSterminal) may communicate commands or instructions to one or moreprocessors of the main processor module via one or more wirelesscommunication transceivers 415 of the automation attachment 910 in orderto control operations of the one or more imaging devices 877. Inembodiments, computer-readable instructions executable by the one ormore processors may receive the commands or instructions from the mobilecomputing device 872, may interpret these commands or instructions andmay generate commands, instructions and/or signals that are communicatedto the one or more imaging devices 877. In embodiments, the one or moreimaging devices may receive the generated commands, instructions and/orsignals, perform the actions corresponding thereto and may communicateback sound, images, and/or video (as well as status parameters andmeasurements) to the one or more processors in the main processor module820, which in turn may communicate, to the mobile computing device 872via one or more wireless communication transceivers 415, the receivedsound, images and/or video (along with status parameters and/ormeasurements). In embodiments, the received sound, images and/or video(along with status parameters and/or measurements) may be displayed orpresented in application software executing or running on the mobilecomputing device 872 (or remote computing device or existing computingdevice like a POS terminal).

FIG. 9A illustrates a block diagram of an automation assembly accordingto embodiments. In embodiments, an automation assembly 900 is connectedto a center support pole or a parasol pole 905. In embodiments, anautomation assembly 900 may comprise one or more main processors module910, a control panel 920, one or more battery compartments 920, one ormore motor and pulley assemblies 938, one or more wind sensors 950, oneor more speaker assemblies 951, and one or more attachment rings 908. Inembodiments, an automation assembly 900 may comprise a universal serialbus (USB) interface port 947 and/or a power charging port 946.

In embodiments, the automation attachment 900 may comprise two pieces orhalves. In embodiments, the automation attachment 900 may be connected,coupled or attached to the parasol or umbrella pole 905 utilizing one ormore top attachment rings 906 and/or one or more bottom attachment rings908. In embodiments, different diameter center support or parasol poles905 may be accommodated by utilizing one or more adaptors 907 whichchange a width or opening size of a top portion and/or a bottom portionof the automation attachment. FIGS. 3A-3C describes attachment rings andconnection assemblies in more detail. In embodiments, the one or moreadapters 907 may be made of a rubber material.

In embodiments, a control panel 920 may comprise one or more buttons tocontrol operation of the automation attachment 900. In embodiments, suchas illustrated in FIG. 9, the control panel 920 may comprise one or morepower buttons 921, one or more personal area network (PAN)communications buttons 922, one or more open parasol buttons 923, one ormore closed parasol buttons 924, and/or one or more audio volumebuttons. In embodiments, the control panel 920 may further comprise oneor more light buttons 925 and/or one or more parasol linking buttons926. In embodiments, the one or more power buttons 921 may turn on oroff power in the automation attachment 910. In embodiments, the one ormore PAN buttons 922 may allow activation or deactivation of PANcommunication transceivers (e.g., Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave) in theautomation attachment 900. In embodiments, one or more buttons may alsobe included in the automation attachment 900 to turn on local areanetwork (LAN) wireless communications and/or cellular wirelesscommunications via associated wireless transceivers that are alsoincluded or installed in the automation attachment 900.

In embodiments, the one or more parasol open buttons 923 may allowmanual operation and/or activation of opening of a parasol to which theautomation attachment is connected. In embodiments, the one or more openbuttons 923 may communicate directly, or indirectly, with the one ormore motor and pulley assemblies 938 to open the parasol. Inembodiments, the one or more close buttons 924 may allow manualoperation to close a parasol to which the automation attachment 910 isattached. In embodiments, the one or more close buttons 924 maycommunicate directly, or indirectly, with the one or more motor andpulley assemblies 938 to close the parasol.

In embodiments, the one or more volume buttons may be utilized toincrease or decrease the volume of audio projected, reproduced oremitted from the one or more speaker assemblies 951. In embodiments, theone or more volume buttons may communicate directly to the one or morespeaker assemblies 951 or, alternatively, through the one or mainprocessor boards or circuitry 910. These buttons allow manual controlbut automatic operation of the open and closing of the parasol umbrellaas well turning on and off the parasol via the buttons.

In embodiments, the one or more light buttons 925 may communicate withlighting assemblies integrated within the automation attachment and/orwith lighting assemblies that may be in communication with theautomation attachment. In embodiments, the one or more lighting buttons925 may communicate, indirectly or directly, to the lighting assembliesinside of and/or external to the automation attachment 900. Inembodiments, the one or more parasol linking buttons 926 may allow oneparasol to communicate instructions, commands, signals, videos, imagesand/or sound files to other automation attachments connected to otherparasols. In embodiments, the one or more parasol linking buttons 926may communicate with the processor module (e.g., such as the mainprocessor board). In embodiments, computer-readable instructionsexecutable by the one or more processors of the processor module mayreceive that the pararsol linking button has been pushed and maycommunicate with the one or more wireless communication transceiversthat the parasol may now be utilized as a wireless communication hub andmay communicate instructions, commands, measurements, parameters and/orsignals (e.g., via the one or more wireless communication transceivers)to other automated umbrellas and/or other parasols with automationattachments.

In embodiments, the battery compartment 930 may comprise one or morerechargeable batteries. In embodiments, the rechargeable batteries maybe removable from the automation attachment 900.

In embodiments, the one or more wind sensors 950 may be positioned sothat portion or part of the wind sensor can receive wind from an outsideenvironment. In embodiments, one or more wind sensors 950 may beinstalled in an opening of an outer surface of the automation attachment900. In embodiments, a screen may be placed over an opening in thesurface of the automation attachment in order to keep large objects fromentering an interior of the one or more wind sensors 950 and damagingthe one or more wind sensors 950 or other components of the automationattachment 900. In embodiments, the one or more wind sensors maycaptured wind speed measurements (as described previously) andcommunicate such measurements to the main processor module.

In embodiments, the one or more speaker assemblies 951 may reproducesound communicated or transmitted from components on the one or moremain processors boards (e.g., via a wireless communication transceiver(e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver) installed on the one or more mainprocessor board 910). In embodiments, there may be two speakerassemblies, three speaker assemblies 951, or four speaker assemblies 951in the automation attachment 900. FIGS. 6A and 6B describe placement andutilization of the speaker assemblies in the automation attachment.

In embodiments, the USB interface port 947 may provide power to mobilecommunication devices having a USB interface. In embodiments, the USBinterface port 947 may comprise one or more connectors to provide powerto one or more mobile communication devices that are connected orattached to the one or more connectors of the USB interface power 947via, for example, USB cables.

In embodiments, the automation attachment 900 may comprise one or morepower charging ports 946. In embodiments, an external power source(e.g., a generator or an AC wall outlet) may connect to the one or morepower charging ports 946 and provide external power to the automationattachment 900 (and thus the one or more rechargeable batteries in thebattery compartment 930). In embodiments, an adapter may be utilized toconvert the AC power from the wall outlet (or other AC power source) toDC power supplied to the one or more power charging ports 947 of theautomation attachment. In embodiments, the one or more power chargingports 946 may be connected directly to the one or more rechargeablebatteries in the battery compartment 930. In embodiments, the one ormore power charging port may provide power to the one or morerechargeable batteries and/or other components or assemblies utilizing,for example, an electrical cord that transfers data, control signalsand/or power.

In embodiments, one or more motor and pulley assemblies may controlopening or closing of a frame or arms of a parasol to which theautomation assembly 900 is attached. In embodiments, the one or moremotor and pulley assemblies may comprise one or more motors 945, one ormore right angle gearboxes 940, one or more tubular rods or shafts 937,one or more pulleys 932 (a center pulley) and 943 (an outer pulley),and/or one or more cables, ropes, cables or strings 936 (an inner rope)and 944 (an outer rope). In embodiments, the one or more motors 945 maycomprise a motor controller (not shown) and may receive communications,instructions and/or signals from one or more processors on the one ormore main processors boards 910. In embodiments, the one or more mainprocessor boards 910 may comprise one or more motor controllers togenerate commands, instructions and/or signals that are to transmittedor communicated to one or more motors 945.

In embodiments, the automation kit 900 may be utilized with parasolshaving an internal string or rope assembly (e.g., a string inside centersupport or a parasol pole) as well as parasols that have has string orrope assembly on an outside of a center support or parasol pole 907. Inembodiments, where the parasol had an existing internal rope assembly(most likely with a hand crank assembly), the motor and pulley assembly938 may comprise a shaft or tubular rod 937, an internal pulley assembly932, a rope, string or cable 936, a right angle gearbox 940 and/or oneor more motors 945. In embodiments, a hand crank in the existing manualumbrella may be removed (including a handle). In embodiments, aninternal pulley assembly 932 may be removable. In embodiments, aninternal pulley assembly 932 may be attached to a shaft or tubular rod937 via a magnet or ball bearing (e.g., similar to a ratchet). Inembodiments, a pulley or hub included with the hand crank assembly mayalso be replaced. In embodiments, a pulley or hub existing in theparasol (e.g., parasol pole) may be utilized if it can interface withand/or be coupled to the shaft or tubular rod 937 of the automationattachment. In embodiments, a shaft 937 and a center pulley assembly 932may be inserted into the existing holes in the center support or parasolpole 905. In embodiments, the shaft 937 and center pulley assembly 932may be installed perpendicular to a vertical axis of the parasol pole905. In other words, the shaft or tubular rod 937 and center pulleyassembly 932 may be installed along a horizontal axis that is parallelwith a flat ground surface. In embodiments, a shaft 937 may be held inplace with a pin or other connector on one side of the automationattachment next to the parasol pole. In embodiments, an end of a rope orcable 936 may be attached to or be wound around the center pulleyassembly 932 and an opposite end of the rope or cable 936 then may befurther attached to and travel around an upper support assembly (e.g.,see FIG. 2). In embodiments, the rope or cable 936 may then be attachedto an arm collar assembly of the parasol or umbrella to lift the arms orframe of the existing frame.

In embodiments, the motor 946 may be activated or turned on and mayrotate an output shaft which is connected to a right angle gearbox 940.In embodiments, the shaft 937 may be connected and/or coupled to theright angle gearbox 940. In embodiments, the rotation of the motor shaftmay cause rotation of gears in the right angle gearbox 940, which inturn causes rotation of the shaft or tubular rod 937. In embodiments, arotation of the shaft or tubular rod 937 causes the attached orconnected center pulley 932 to rotate which in turn causes the rope towind or unwind. In embodiments, winding or unwinding of the rope orcable 936 (which results in opening or closing of the parasol orumbrella (as described earlier in the specification).

In embodiments, a motor shaft 939 may rotate after a motor 945 has beenturned on, which causes rotation of gearing assembly 941 (which is partof the right angle gearbox). In embodiments, the gearing assembly 941may be connected or coupled to gearing assembly 942. In embodiment,gearing assembly 941 may be connected at a right angle to gearingassembly 942, which changes an axis of rotation. In embodiments, gearingassembly 942 may be connected and/or coupled to shaft or tubular rod 937and causes the shaft or rod 937 to rotate. In embodiments, the gearingassembly 942 may be positioned around and connected or coupled to theshaft or rod. In this illustrative embodiment, the shaft 937 may rotate,which causes the center pulley 932 to rotate and the rope or cable 936to wind or unwind.

In embodiments, a parasol or umbrella may have an existing rope or cablethat is connected to a center hub arm expansion assembly to allow formanual opening or closing of the parasol frame. The exiting rope orcable may be located outside the parasol pole 905. In these embodiments,the automation assembly 910 may also be utilized to automate such aconfiguration and allow automatic operation of an existing manualumbrella with an outside rope. In embodiments, the automation attachmentand specifically the motor and pulley assembly may include a shaft 937,a right angle gearbox 940, an outer pulley assembly 943 and/or a rope orcable 944. In embodiments, because there is no hand crank or rope insidea parasol pole 905, the shaft 937 may only be located in the automationattachment 900. In embodiments, the shaft 937 may travel through thecenter support or parasol pole 905 but does not have to. In embodiments,the outer pulley assembly 343 may be connected or coupled to the shaftor rod 937 either directly or indirectly (e.g., ball bearing and/ormagnetic connection). In embodiments, as discussed above, the shaft 937may rotate based on activation of the motor and the interconnection ofthe motor shaft 939 with the right angle gear box 940. The rotation ofthe shaft 937 causes rotation of the outer pulley assembly 943, which inturn causes rotation and/or winding/unwinding of the outside rope orcable 944. As discussed previously, the winding/unwinding of the outsiderope or cable 944 causes movement of the coupled arm collar assembly andexpansion or retracting of the arms or frame of the existing parasol orumbrella.

The automation attachment is an advancement to allow automation of alarge number of manual umbrellas that are in the marketplace. Asdescribed herein, the automation attachment includes a number offeatures to allow users of existing manually-operated umbrellas to notonly automate opening and closing of the umbrella, but also have theumbrella or parasol communicate with other electronic devices utilizinga number of wireless communication technologies. In embodiments, theautomation attachment may also comprise one or more imaging devices, oneor more sensor devices, include voice recognition and allow music filesto be reproduced utilizing integrated speaker assemblies. In addition,the automation attachment described herein has the ability to not onlyautomate manually operated umbrellas configured with hand crankassemblies (and inside rope and pulley assemblies) but also to automatemanually operated umbrellas utilizing a rope on an outside or a parasolpole or center support assembly 905. In embodiments, one half of theautomation assembly 900 may comprise a hinged panel or removable panelto allow access to certain components or assemblies of the automationattachment. In embodiments, a hinged panel or removable panel may allowaccess to add, adjust or remove components or assemblies of the motorand pulley assembly. In embodiments, a hinged panel or removable panelmay allow access to one or more USB ports 937 (which may be hidden fromview), one or more charging power charging ports 936 and/or one or morebattery compartments 930.

FIG. 9B illustrates a front view of an automation attachment accordingto embodiments. In embodiments, an automation attachment may comprise afirst section 981 and a second section 982. In embodiments, these may bea left half section 981 and a right half section 982. In embodiments,second automation attachment section 982 may comprise a control panelwith one or more buttons or switches located on an outer surface of thesecond section 982. In embodiments, the one or more buttons or switchesmay comprise a power button 921, an open button 923, a close button 924,a personal area network transceiver (or Bluetooth) button 922, alighting assembly or lights button 925 and/or a parasol linking button926, the operations of which have been described above. In embodiments,the first automation attachment section 981 and the second automationattachment section 982 may each comprise a speaker assembly 951. Inembodiments, the first section 981 and the second section 982 of theautomation attachment may be connected to each other and may be attachedto an existing parasol pole. FIG. 9C illustrates a side view of anautomation attachment according to embodiments. In addition to thecontrol panel, a second automation attachment side (e.g., second side982) may comprise an “on” indicator light 927 identifying that power isavailable and/or being utilized in the automation attachment.

FIG. 9D illustrates an automation attachment attached to an umbrella orparasol according to embodiments. FIG. 9D illustrates positioning of anautomation attachment on an existing umbrella. In embodiments, anexisting umbrella may comprise a base assembly 990, a center supportassembly or pole 905, and an umbrella frame 995 (on which shading fabricmay rest to provide shade to a user). As illustrated in FIG. 9D, theautomation attachment 900 may be positioned about halfway up a centersupport pole and be attached to the center support pole 905. Inembodiments, the automation attachment 900 may comprise one or morespeaker assemblies 951. FIG. 9E illustrates an automation attachmentattached to an umbrella including an elevation joint or hinge accordingto embodiments. FIG. 9E illustrates positioning of an automationattachment on an existing umbrella which has an elevation joint tochange orientation of the center umbrella frame 995 with respect to auser. FIG. 9E illustrates that an upper hinge or joint 991 may connectan upper support pole or assembly 992 to a center support pole orassembly 905 to allow the umbrella frame 995 move to different positionsduring a day and provide shade to a user of the umbrella. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 9E, the automation attachment 900 isconnected or coupled to the umbrella frame 995 to control opening andclosing of the existing parasol or umbrella.

Non-volatile storage medium/media is a computer readable storagemedium(s) that can be used to store software and data, e.g., anoperating system, system programs, device drivers, and one or moreapplication programs, in a computing device or one or more memorydevices of a balcony shading and power system processor, controllerand/or computing device. Persistent storage medium/media also be used tostore device drivers, (such as one or more of a digital camera driver,motor drivers, speaker drivers, scanner driver, or other hardware devicedrivers), web pages, content files, metadata, playlists, data capturedfrom one or more assemblies or components (e.g., sensors, cameras, motorassemblies, microphones, audio and/or video reproduction systems) andother files. Non-volatile storage medium/media can further includeprogram modules/program logic in accordance with embodiments describedherein and data files used to implement one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

A computing device or a processor or controller may include or mayexecute a variety of operating systems, including a personal computeroperating system, such as a Windows, iOS or Linux, or a mobile operatingsystem, such as iOS, Android, or Windows Mobile, Windows Phone, GooglePhone, Amazon Phone, or the like. A computing device, or a processor orcontroller in a balcony shading and power system controller may includeor may execute a variety of possible applications, such as a softwareapplications enabling communication with other devices, such ascommunicating one or more messages such as via email, short messageservice (SMS), or multimedia message service (MMS), FTP, or other filesharing programs, including via a network, such as a social network,including, for example, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Flickr, or Google+and/or Instagram provide only a few possible examples. A computingdevice or a processor or controller in a balcony shading and powersystem may also include or execute an application to communicatecontent, such as, for example, textual content, multimedia content, orthe like. A computing device or a processor or controller in a balconyshading and power system may also include or execute an application toperform a variety of possible tasks, such as browsing, searching,playing various forms of content, including locally stored or streamedcontent. The foregoing is provided to illustrate that claimed subjectmatter is intended to include a wide range of possible features orcapabilities. A computing device or a processor or controller in abalcony shading and power system and/or mobile computing device may alsoinclude imaging software applications for capturing, processing,modifying and transmitting image, video and/or sound files utilizing theoptical device (e.g., camera, scanner, optical reader) within a mobilecomputing device and/or a balcony shading and power system.

For the purposes of this disclosure a computer readable medium storescomputer data, which data can include computer program code that isexecutable by a computer, in machine-readable form. By way of example,and not limitation, a computer-readable medium may comprise computerreadable storage media, for tangible or fixed storage of data, orcommunication media for transient interpretation of code-containingsignals. Computer readable storage media, as used herein, refers tophysical or tangible storage (as opposed to signals) and includeswithout limitation volatile and non-volatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for thetangible storage of information such as computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data. Computer readablestorage media includes, but is not limited to, DRAM, DDRAM, RAM, ROM,EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology,CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetictape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother physical or material medium which can be used to tangibly storethe desired information or data or instructions and which can beaccessed by a computer or processor.

For the purposes of this disclosure a system or module is a software,hardware, or firmware (or combinations thereof), process orfunctionality, or component thereof, that performs or facilitates theprocesses, features, and/or functions described herein (with or withouthuman interaction or augmentation). A module can include sub-modules.Software components of a module may be stored on a computer readablemedium. Modules may be integral to one or more servers, or be loaded andexecuted by one or more servers. One or more modules may be grouped intoan engine or an application.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems ofthe present disclosure may be implemented in many manners and as suchare not to be limited by the foregoing exemplary embodiments andexamples. In other words, functional elements being performed by singleor multiple components, in various combinations of hardware and softwareor firmware, and individual functions, may be distributed among softwareapplications at either the client or server or both. In this regard, anynumber of the features of the different embodiments described herein maybe combined into single or multiple embodiments, and alternateembodiments having fewer than, or more than, all of the featuresdescribed herein are possible. Functionality may also be, in whole or inpart, distributed among multiple components, in manners now known or tobecome known. Thus, myriad software/hardware/firmware combinations arepossible in achieving the functions, features, interfaces andpreferences described herein. Moreover, the scope of the presentdisclosure covers conventionally known manners for carrying out thedescribed features and functions and interfaces, as well as thosevariations and modifications that may be made to the hardware orsoftware or firmware components described herein as would be understoodby those skilled in the art now and hereafter.

While certain exemplary techniques have been described and shown hereinusing various methods and systems, it should be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, andequivalents may be substituted, without departing from claimed subjectmatter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matter withoutdeparting from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it isintended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particularexamples disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may alsoinclude all implementations falling within the scope of the appendedclaims, and equivalents thereof

The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill inthe art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode ofpracticing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. Whilethere is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferredconfigurations of this invention, it is not desired to limit theinvention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, andoperation shown and described. Various modifications, alternativeconstructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departingfrom the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes mightinvolve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements,sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. Theinvention has been described herein using specific embodiments for thepurposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the inventioncan be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not beregarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosedherein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with thefollowing claims.

1. An automation attachment for an existing umbrella, comprising: a housing having an opening in an interior of the housing; one or more couplers or connectors to connect the opening of the housing to a center support pole or umbrella of the existing umbrella; one or more environmental sensor assemblies located within the housing, the one or more environmental sensor assemblies capturing sensor measurements from an environment around the existing umbrella; and a rechargeable power source assembly, located inside the housing, to provide power to the one or more sensor assemblies to activate the one or more sensor assemblies.
 2. The automation attachment of claim 1, further comprising a main processor module, located inside the housing, the main processor module comprising one or more processors, one or more memory devices and/or computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to generate a signal or instruction to be communicated to the one or more environmental sensor assemblies to initiate operation of the one or more environmental sensor assemblies to capture sensor measurements or to provide operational status indicators of the one or more environmental sensor assemblies.
 3. The automation attachment of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable power assembly includes a removable rechargeable battery, the removable rechargeable battery to be charged by an external power source.
 4. The automation attachment of claim 1, further comprising one or more lighting assemblies, located inside the housing, the one or more lighting assemblies to receive power from the rechargeable power source assembly and to generate light to project to an area around the existing umbrella.
 5. The automation attachment of claim 2, wherein the main processor module further comprises a wireless communication transceiver, the computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors to receive the captured sensor measurements or operational status indicators and to communicate the captured sensor measurements or operational status indicators via the wireless communication transceiver to a mobile computing device.
 6. The automation attachment of claim 2, wherein the one or more environmental sensor assemblies comprises an air quality sensor.
 7. The automation attachment of claim 5, further comprising one or more speaker assemblies, the one or more speaker assemblies located within the housing, wherein the automation attachment to receive an audio file from the mobile computing device, and wherein computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors cause the received audio file to be transferred to the one or more speaker assemblies for playback.
 8. The automation attachment of claim 1, further comprising a motor and pulley assembly, the motor and pulley assembly located inside the housing and to connect to a rope of the existing umbrella, the motor and pulley assembly to pull or release the rope in order to expand or retract an umbrella frame of the existing umbrella.
 9. The automation attachment of claim 8, the computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors further to cause the one or more processors to generate a signal or instruction to be communicated to the motor and pulley assembly to initiate operation of the motor and pulley assembly.
 10. The automation attachment of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable power source assembly includes a removable rechargeable battery, the removable rechargeable battery to be charged by an external power source.
 11. The automation attachment of claim 1, further comprising one or more lighting assemblies, located inside the housing, the one or more lighting assemblies to receive power from the rechargeable power source assembly and to generate light to project to an area around the existing umbrella.
 12. The automation attachment of claim 1, further comprising a universal serial bus (USB) charging port, the USB charging port located on an outside surface of the housing, wherein the rechargeable power source provides power to the USB charging port.
 13. The automation attachment of claim 1, further comprising a solar panel assembly and a solar cable, the solar panel assembly coupled to the frame or a shade fabric of the existing umbrella and the solar cable connecting the solar panel assembly to the housing, wherein the cable transfers power generated by the solar panel assembly to the rechargeable power source.
 14. The automation attachment of claim 2, further comprising one or more cameras, the main processor module controlling operation of the one or more cameras, the one or more cameras being integrated into the housing and to capture images and/or video of an area surrounding the existing umbrella.
 15. The automation attachment of claim 14, the computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors of the main processor module to transfer the captured images or video to a mobile computing device.
 16. The automation attachment of claim 8, further comprising one or more wireless communication transceivers, the one or more wireless communication transceivers to control operation of the motor and put
 17. An automation attachment for an existing umbrella, comprising: a housing having an opening in an interior of the housing; one or more couplers or connectors to connect the opening of the housing to a center support pole or umbrella of the existing umbrella; one or more directional sensor assemblies located within the housing, the one or more directional sensor assemblies capturing directional measurements with respect to one or more arm support assemblies of an umbrella frame of the existing umbrella; and a rechargeable power source assembly, located inside the housing, to provide power to the one or more sensor assemblies to activate the one or more directional sensor assemblies.
 18. The automation attachment of claim 17, further comprising a main processor module, located inside the housing, the main processor module comprising one or more processors, one or more memory devices and/or computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to generate a signal or instruction to be communicated to the one or more directional sensor assemblies to initiate operation of the one or more environmental sensor assemblies to capture directional measurements or to provide operational status indicators of the one or more directional sensor assemblies.
 19. An automation attachment for an existing umbrella, comprising: a housing having an opening in an interior of the housing; one or more couplers or connectors to connect the opening of the housing to a center support pole or umbrella of the existing umbrella; one or more motion sensor assemblies located within the housing, the one or more directional sensor assemblies receiving motion indicators or motion detection signals with respect to movement of an object or an individual organism within an area around of the existing umbrella; and a rechargeable power source assembly, located inside the housing, to provide power to the one or more sensor assemblies to activate the one or more motion sensor assemblies.
 20. The automation attachment of claim 19, further comprising a main processor module, located inside the housing, the main processor module comprising one or more processors, one or more memory devices and/or computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to generate a signal or instruction to be communicated to the one or more motion sensor assemblies to initiate operation of the one or more motion sensor assemblies to capture motion indicators or motion detection signals, or to provide operational status indicators of the one or more motion sensor assemblies. 